Most capital projects are uncompleted, poorly executed – BudgIT
BudgIT, a civic organisation, on Wednesday said most capital projects in the country are left undone or uncompleted while those completed are poorly executed.
The organisation explained that this has given room for critical gaps in infrastructural development in the country.
BudgIT spoke in a statement issued by its Communication Lead, Niyi Soleye, on Wednesday, in Abuja
He called for transparency and openness in the implementation of projects, including those of local governments in the country.
Mr. Soleye said BudgIT, through its Tracka platform, was tracking the 2018 budget nominated by the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) with the aim of making the budget available to citizens at the grassroots.
He said its Project Tracking Officers have visited 35 communities to track the implementation of a total of 42 capital projects captured in the council’s 2018 budget.
According to him, out of the 42 capital projects tracked, 22 projects have been completed,14 projects are ongoing, and the implementation of six projects are yet to commence.
He hailed AMAC Chairman, Adamu Candido for his openness and transparency in the budget of the council.
Soleye said AMAC was the first to release the council’s 2018 budget in the Federal Capital Territory.
The statement reads: “BudgIT, a civic organisation, is calling for transparency and openness in the implementation of Local Government projects. Lots of funds are allotted yearly for capital expenditure yet capital projects are left undone or uncompleted thereby giving room for critical gaps in infrastructural development in the country.
“Tracka extended its tracking activities to Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) with the aim of making the budget available to the citizens at the grassroots, track the implementation of the council’s 2018 budget, and also build the capacity of the citizens on public finance especially budget matters, thus enabling them own the projects and actively track implementation of capital projects in their community.
“Tracka is also working with community-based organisations and religious and traditional leaders in various communities in Abuja Municipal Area Council. Furthermore, Tracka has also identified and built the capacity of our community champions to make citizens continuously demand for service delivery from their representatives.
“The Tracka team has visited 35 communities to track the implementation of a total of 42 capital projects captured in the council’s 2018 budget .Out of the 42 capital projects tracked, 22 projects have been completed,14 projects are ongoing, and the implementation of 6 projects are yet to commence as at the time of this report.
“This is highly commendable when you compare Abuja Municipal Area Council budget implementation feat with her counterparts in Nigeria.
“The council under the leadership of Abdullahi Adamu Candido is the first to release the council’s 2018 budget in the Federal Capital Territory. Kwali and Abaji area councils have since followed suit by releasing their 2018 budget to the public. Local government councils in the FCT enjoy some level of autonomy due to the structure of FCT administration.
“It is also worthy of note that the DEAN initiative which is dedicated to transparency and accountability in local government administration in Nigeria also deserves some credit for ensuring these area councils release their budget to the public.”
