Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has presented a budget estimate of N258, 970, 175, 905 to the House of Assembly.
The budget tagged: “Budget of Acceleration”, was presented at the assembly chambers.
It went through first and second readings, which caused commotion at the legislative chambers among the lawmakers.
The second reading was opposed by the opposition members, led by Somtochukwu Udeze (Ogbaru 1 Constituency) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members.
He was supported by Lawrence Ezeudu, All Progressives Congress (APC) member (Dunukofia Constituency).
Capital budget of N164.2 billion accounts for 63.2 per cent, while recurrent expenditure of N95.5 billion accounts for 36.8 per cent.
However, the budget, with a deficit of N13 billion, has N91.8 billion or 56 per cent of the total capital expenditure devoted to roads, transport, power and urban regeneration.
Prof. Soludo hailed the cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature, saying amid challenges; his administration intended to implement its disruptive change agenda.
He recalled that the seventh assembly approved for his government to borrow N100 billion, noting that it had not been borrowed.
He said N90 billion was applied for.
Speaker Uche Okafor said barely eight months after assumption of office, the Soludo administration had recorded achievements.
He said the budget would be given accelerated hearing.