Delta State House of Assembly Committee on Water Resources Development has expressed optimism of enhanced budget performance of the State Ministry of Water Resources in the 2022 fiscal year.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon Peter Uviejitobor expressed this when officials of the ministry led by the Commissioner, Hon Evelyn Oboroh appeared before members of the Committee for the ongoing defence of the 2022 budget proposals of the ministry.
The Water Resources Development Committee Chairman, Hon Peter Uviejitobor said within the framework of legislative oversight, budget defence is key to nation-building and development as it allows for critical appraisal of previous performances and projects for the future.
Hon Uviejitobor said it was in line with that responsibility that his led Committee will continue to interface with the Ministry of Water Resources at ensuring adequate budgetary allocation to sustain and enhance the development strides of the state government in the water sector.
The lawmaker commended the Commissioner and her team for the modest achievements of the Ministry of Water Resources in the outgoing year 2021 and expressed the hope that more successes would be recorded in the 2022 financial year.
Hon Uviejitobor assured that his committee will continue to play an effective role in ensuring increased budgetary allocation to the Ministry, Departments and Agencies under its legislative supervision.
The Commissioner, Water Resources Development, Hon Evelyn Oboroh commended the Committee for the sound synergy with the ministry and appealed for sustenance.
The Commissioner disclosed that the ministry had the sum of One point nine billion naira as the capital budget for 2021, but has approval to the tune of six hundred and sixty-seven million, representing 46 percent of the approved capital budget.
Hon Oboroh stated that the ministry is determined to change the narratives in the water sector in 2022 through the establishment of a more sustainable water supply scheme and maintenance culture.
She said about two billion naira is being proposed as the capital budget for the 2022 fiscal year.
In a related development, the Assembly Committee on Science and Technology has assured the State Ministry of Science and Technology of support to improve its service delivery to the state.
The Chairman of the Committee, Hon Eric Oharisi gave the assurance when the Commissioner in charge of the ministry led other officials to defend the 2022 proposed budget estimates of the ministry.
Hon Oharisi said there is room for improvement, saying that Science and Technology development is key to societal growth and standards.
The Commissioner, Ministry of Science and Technology, Jennifer Oma-Adasen, said the ministry is committed to complimenting the drive to build a stronger Delta and solicited for the required budgetary provisions to enable it to achieve the laudable programs of the ministry.
The Commissioner thanked members of the Committee for their support and understanding.
