ENB ready to complete goals

 By EVAH KUAMIN

THE East New Britain government is geared to fulfill some of its provincial priorities captured in this year’s budget under the theme, Growing the local economy.

A total of K86.25 million had been approved by Treasury and Finance Minister Peter O’Neill under the Organic Law on Provincial Governments for the provincial budget this year.

O’Neill, while commending Governor Leo Dion and his provincial administration, reminded that the funding 

this year should be spent on its intended purpose.

He also commended presidents of the 18 local level governments in the province for the approval of their individual budgets that would also come into effect this month.

The 2011 development component of the provincial budget totals more than K23 million that would target mainly developmental projects. 

Dion also announced that this year’s budget would set the foundation for the new ENB development strategic plan 2011-21.

This plan parallels the national government’s first 10 years of Vision 2050 that was launched last year throughout the country.

Dion added that this was also in line with direct support towards districts and local level governments to drive the improved service delivery concept.

He said this year’s budget, under strategic result areas, there was an allocation on two additional expenditure items of HIV/AIDS and disaster reponse.

This would cater for the provincial administration’s objective service delivery at districts and local level government level.