Gbarnga, Bong County — The Administration of Bong County has proposed a “Draft Budget” to the county’s Council for fiscal year 2024.
The proposed draft budget amounts to USD$1,446,400, capturing the seven electoral districts of the county. The total money allocated to the seven electoral districts of the county is proposed at USD$470,000.
Top projects and institutions captured in the 2024 draft budget include the renovation or construction of a three-in-one administrative complex (US$300,000), the purchase of furniture for the superintendent compound (US$30,000), operations of the Bong County Sports Steering Committee (US$100,000), the purchase of four vehicles for use by the Superintendent, County Finance Officer, County Development Officer, and County Administrative Officer (US$100,000).
Additionally, US$10,000 was allotted to Bong Community Radios, the Construction of a Maternal Waiting Home at the County Health Team, and County Council Sitting, respectively. Others include CB Dunbar Hospital, Bong Mines Hospital, and Phebe Hospital, all receiving a proportion of US$20,000, respectively.
Moreover, US$100,000 is allotted to arrears or liabilities, US$2,000 to the Gbarnga Central Prison, US$7,000 to People Living with Disabilities (PWDS), and US$40,000 to the Bong County Technical College.
Speaking in defense of monies allotted to the county’s administration, during a two-day “County Council Sitting”, Bong County superintendent Hawa Norris emphasized that her administration intends to build a residential area for guests in place of the old Magistral Court at the superintendent compound.
Superintendent Norris also added that the road leading to the office of people living with disabilities will be constructed for the same three hundred thousand United States Dollars.
She furthered that some construction works, including the layout of the superintendent compound and the erection of a security booth, are captured in the continuity of current works being done at the administration building.
Meanwhile, Bong County Council Chairman Aaron Fenlah told a team of reporters at the end of the county council sitting that a final copy of the draft budget will be presented to the county administration in twenty-one working days.
He further clarified that following deliberations on the draft budget, the possibility of an increment or decrement in some line items is likely, based on the basic needs of some institutions or organizations.
Chairman Fenlah has also called on residents of the county to put aside their political differences and push for the overall development and improvement of the county and its citizens.
By: Mataley S. Kollie/ Correspondent
