Delta approves N3.9bn disbursement for D-CARES programme

The Delta State Executive Council has given its approval for the disbursement of N3,887,277,784.66 as part of the D-CARES implementation program of the state government. This marks the second reimbursement from the World Bank. Commissioner for Economic Planning in Delta State, Sonny Ekedayen, made this announcement during a press briefing on Friday, where he discussed key decisions made at the state executive meeting chaired by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

Ekedayen mentioned that the funds have been allocated through Direct Cash Transfer, FADAMA, Livelihood, and Direct Labour. The approval aligns with Governor Oborevwori’s focus on human capital development and social intervention. Some Deltans have already begun receiving alerts, and Ekedayen emphasized that this initiative will continue. He explained that the coordinating body, NG-CARES in Abuja, is expected to conduct another round of independent verification exercises in early January next year, where Delta State’s progress will be assessed, potentially leading to additional reimbursements.

The commissioner commended the State House of Assembly, particularly Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, Chair of the House Committee on Appropriation Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, and other members for the swift passage of the 2024 Delta State budget recently signed into law by the governor. Ekedayen clarified that the additional N10 billion in the appropriation bill was intended to facilitate more infrastructural transformation.

Regarding the state’s internally generated revenue, which exceeded expectations at N144 billion compared to the initial N110 billion, Ekedayen expressed confidence that the implementation of the 2024 budget would not encounter challenges.

Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) Charles Aniagwu also briefed journalists, noting the approval for the reconstruction of the road from Okan Junction in Okpe, passing through Agbarho in Ughelli North, to connect to the East-West Road. The 3.47-kilometer project aims to ease traffic flow during the construction of flyovers around PTI, DSC, and the Effurun roundabout. Additionally, the executive council directed the Ministry of Works to investigate the state of the Bomadi Road, addressing concerns about its condition. Plans are underway to assess the road and provide cost estimates for necessary improvements in the coming weeks.