The report highlights the infrastructural and social deficits affecting the LGA. Breaking down the annual allocations, ENetSuD revealed that Baruten LGA received ₦2.9 billion in 2020, ₦3.09 billion in 2021, ₦3.75 billion in 2022 and ₦4.88 billion in 2023.
Arecent report by Elites Network for Sustainable Development (ENetSuD) has shed light on the dire state of Baruten Local Government Area (LGA) in Kwara State.
According to the civil society organisation, despite receiving a substantial ₦14.6 billion in shared revenue between 2020 and 2023, Baruten LGA remains one of the least developed areas in the state.
The report highlights the infrastructural and social deficits affecting the LGA. Breaking down the annual allocations, ENetSuD revealed that Baruten LGA received ₦2.9 billion in 2020, ₦3.09 billion in 2021, ₦3.75 billion in 2022 and ₦4.88 billion in 2023
According to the group, the figures raise questions about the management and utilisation of funds in Baruten LGA.
The funds were reportedly spent as follows: ₦396.5 million on capital projects for community development within the local government; ₦9.04 billion on salaries, pensions, and gratuities; ₦3.41 billion as contributions to financially distressed LGAs in Kwara, and ₦1.65 billion on other expenses.
ENetSuD highlighted the challenges faced by the communities in Baruten as follows: Electricity, 103 communities remain without electrification; education, 23 communities lack primary schools and 111 have no access to secondary schools; healthcare, 99 communities are without primary health centres; roads, 130 communities require road construction or grading; agriculture, farmers in 130 communities need mechanisation support and training; empowerment, artisans in 131 communities lack empowerment programs and skills acquisition opportunities.
Others include communication, and according to the report, “51 communities have no GSM or internet connectivity, leaving them disconnected from the rest of the world”.
ENetSuD expressed concern that only 2.7% (₦396.5 million) of the ₦14.6 billion received during the four-year period was allocated to capital projects that directly impact the lives of residents. It added that the bulk of the funds (₦9.04 billion) was used for salaries, pensions, and gratuities, while a substantial portion (₦3.41 billion) was given as donations to other LGAs.
The research group emphasised the need for greater accountability and effective utilisation of public funds to address the pressing needs of Baruten residents. It called on relevant stakeholders and authorities to prioritise infrastructural development, particularly in education, healthcare, and road construction, to improve the quality of life for residents.
