By NIDRA KEWERE MAPI
TRANSPORT, infrastructure development and improving basic services in the area of health, education and agriculture are focused in the 2008 budget for the Gulf province.
This was said by Governor Havila Kavo at the presentation of the 2008 Gulf provincial and LLG budget last week.
The delivery of goods and services, public transport and excess to markets, for the rural population would only be possible with good infrastructure whether by road, air, sea or river Mr Kavo said in his speech.
He added that agriculture development in the province had been mostly at the subsistence and small holder level over many years and the Government through its extension programme was yet to be fully supported by the local farmers.
The 2008 money plan was consistent with the National Governments medium term development strategy (MTDS), which focused on basic education, primary health care, HIV/AIDS prevention, law and justice, income earning opportunities and infrastructure.
The province’s total money allocation for this year is set at K44,488,700.
National Government grants have been distributed with K20,813,800 for administration, K909,500 development grants, K5,170,000 for the public investment programme (PIP) and K532,800 derivation grants bringing it to a total of K27,426,100.
The internal revenue allocation was 40% of the total budget which was K17,062,600, but was a reduction of 60% from previous years due to lack of over projection and lack of receipts.
According to Mr Kavo, the budget strategy would focus on:
* Debt services;
* Prudent financial management;
* Project evaluation;
* Revenue collection measures;
* External project funding;
* Management performance evaluation; and
* National and provincial development priorities.
“The development theory was based on the simple fact that unless there was infrastructure, basic services could not be delivered,” Mr Kavo said.