A Conceptual Model and Medium Term Strategy Templates for Improving Housing Budget Performance in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study advances a conceptual Housing Budget Performance Model (HBPM) and adapts medium term strategy templates to the housing sector of Anambra State for improving her annual housing budget performance and ultimately, housing delivery. This became expedient due to the prevalence of problems facing the budget process of the State. The Anambra State Government is still faced with poor budget performance arising from a myriad of challenges. Lacks of templates to monitor/track performance during housing budget implementation and review implemented budgets have also been attributed as causal factors for poor performance. The basis or platform for constructing the proposed HBPM was anecdotal evidences and in-depth review of salient budgeting models The researchers employed critical thinking in constructing the schematic model and explaining the operationalization of the variables, while the proposed medium term expenditure framework drew largely from the existing medium term framework presently used by the agriculture sector of Anambra State since it played a major role in its revitalization and sustenance. The conceptual HBPM developed is a holistic one; harmonizing the conventional budget process/stages/procedures and the peculiar nature of housing construction tendering, estimating and management, which also makes it unique. The implication of this model is that it will ensure that housing budget activities are focused on objective allocation, rational considerations, efficient preparation procedures, appropriate duration, execution, utilization of funds, monitoring and citizen participation. The medium term housing budget monitoring and review templates incorporates variables for checking housing targets, outputs, user impact, variance analysis of work done and remedial measures, which should be done every 3 or 4 years to give ample time for the housing program to make progress. The study recommends the HBPM and templates for further validation and possible adoption by the Anambra State Government, ministries, departments and agencies of housing, budget and economic planning.