Maria David
THE Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has authorised the N$69.7 million budget of the Oshana Regional Council for the 2022/2023 financial year.
According to spokesperson of Oshana Elly Ashikoto, the budget was approved this week with an estimated sum of N$ 69 726 571.
Ashikoto stated that the operational budget for the Regional Council will be funded by a grant of close to N$52 million from the central government through the Ministry of Urban and Development.
She said the Ministry also gave the go-ahead to finance over N$ 3.4 million on Capital Projects.
“The money includes N$ 945 000 for the development of service infrastructure in the settlement areas of Eheke and Uukwangula,” she added.
She indicated that an additional amount of over N$ 2 million will be used to build rural toilets in order to provide basic sanitation in rural areas, while an amount of N$ 423 077 will be utilized for rural development programs, such as the Food/Cash for Work and Microfinance programs.
Ashikoto stated that Council has also budgeted an amount of over N$1 million for road infrastructure at the Uukwangula Settlement Area under the Road Fund Administration.
Further, she stated that the ministry has approved the amendment of the Council’s new tariffs in terms of section 22 (1) of the Regional Council Act, 1992 (Act of 22 of 1992) as amended.
She emphasized that the Regional Council is amending the charges in respect of the services rendered by the Council.
Ashikoto stressed that the Oshana Regional council shall continue managing the public funds entrusted to their care in accordance with the provisions of the State Finance Act 31 of 1991 and shall remain transparent and accountable in the execution of its budget in accordance with the implementation of its annual plan.
