The Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Council, Hon. Surveyor Chris Ekpo has presented a budgetary estimate of N1.6 Billion for the year 2009, to Nsit Ubium Legislative Council.

The budget christened “Budget of Redemption” has a total sum of One Hundred and Seventy Five Million, Two Hundred and Eighty Three Thousand Naira (N175,283,000.00) lower than the 2008 approved revised estimates.

According to Surveyor Ekpo, the 2009 budget has a total sum of Eight Hundred and Forty Four Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira (N844,800,000.00) allocated for recurrent Expenditure while the sum of Seven Hundred and Forty One Million, Two Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira (N741,260,000.00) is for capital expenditure.

The sector at breakdown of the capital expenditure shows that the council will spend One Hundred and Twenty-five Million, Four Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N125,450,000.00) on the Economic sector representing 16.92% and One Hundred and Forty Eight Millon, Six Hundred and Eighty Six Thousand Naira (148,686,000.00) 0r 20.06% on Social services sector.

Area Development/Environmental sector has a budgetary allocation of Thirty Four Million Naira (N34,000,000.00) representing 4.59% while General Administration is allocated Four Hundred and Thirty Three Million, One Hundred and Twenty Four Thousand Naira (N433,124,000.00) or 58.43%.

Presenting the budget estimates, the Council Chairman, Surveyor Ekpo, stressed that, key projects to be executed include; the completion of Solar powered Mini water project at Ukat Aran, Ikot Okwot, Ikot Etobo, Ikot Akpan Abia, Ekpene Ukim and Nung Obong.

Surveyor Ekpo announced that to ensure even distribution of developmental amenities in all the wards, additional three new Solar powered water projects would be provided at Ndiya ward, Ubium north Wrad 1, Ibiakpan Obotim II and Ubium South III.

Also, the council intends to complete the reconstruction of each of the two and four-in-one classroom blocks at Primary Schools, Ukat Aran, Ikot Udo Ime, Edem Okpot and Odoro Atasung,while one 5-in-I classroom block shall be constructed at Primary School Ikot Edibon and Ikot Imo respectively.

Other projects the council also intends to embark on include; allocation of plot to Union Bank of Nigeria PLC for the building of the branch Office, empowering of youths in skill acquisition ventures, improving Health and Medical programmes and activities in the area.

While promising to strengthen its internally generated revenue mechanism to enable council actualize its set goals for 2009, Surveyor Ekpo said, his administration will vigorously transform the Agricultural sector of the council.

He commended the Legislative arm of the Council for its support and cooperation since the administration came on board and solicited for prompt consideration and passage of the budget to facilitate quick implementation of the development of the area.

Receiving the budget estimates, the leader of the legislature, Hon. Ntisong Uduak Ikemeke, promised the Chairman and people of Nsit Ubium that the estimates will receive urgent attention of the Legislature and assured that action will be expedited to ensure prompt passage of the appropriation.

Present during the presentation were the Vice chairman, Elder Ekpo Inyang Ekpo, the Council Secretary, Mr. Usiere Ubom, the HOP, Obong Nse Inwang, the Treasurer, Deaconess Grace Ubokudom, Supervisors, Special Adviser, Political Stalwarts and Council Staff.