The budget performance review for Delta State raises serious questions about the state government’s commitment to citizens’ welfare.
Development Diaries reports that an assessment of the state’s budget performance shows that the state spent abysmally low on erosion and flood control.
According to a report by SaharaReporters, there is a concerning trend of underfunding for critical flood and erosion control measures in the budget, despite severe flooding that displaced numerous communities.
It is understood that the state, which allocated N799 million for erosion and flood control in 2024, spent a mere N10 million in the first nine months under this line item.
Additionally, while one billion was planned for general flood control, only N153 million was spent in this period. This disparity between allocation and actual expenditure on essential environmental interventions shows a disconnect between budgetary promises and the state’s responsiveness to urgent needs.
Also, this lack of effective spending, especially in areas prone to erosion and flooding, points to a prioritisation problem within the state’s governance.
For instance, while only N163 million went toward erosion and flood control, a striking N1.5 billion was expended on government quarters and VIP guest house construction.
Given that flooding has destroyed homes, livelihoods, and properties worth millions of naira in areas like Isoko South, it raises serious questions about the state government’s commitment to protecting its citizens from natural disasters.
Clearly, this oversight has intensified the hardship experienced by affected communities. It also reflects a disregard for environmental resilience and public welfare.
The people of Delta State need to advocate for greater transparency and accountability from their governor, ensuring that critical budgetary allocations are followed by actual, impactful spending.
Government spending should align with pressing community needs, particularly when such needs are as devastating as those arising from severe flooding.
In a case like this, when funds earmarked for flood control go unspent or are redirected, it leaves citizens vulnerable and raises the risk of prolonged damage to communities.
Development Diaries calls on citizens in Delta State to demand explanations from the government on the gap between allocations and spending and push for public access to budget performance reports.
They should also insist that funds for crucial projects are transparently managed and regularly audited.
Photo source: Arise News
