Lagos has produced and agreed a Budget and Big Options plan for 2015 which sees a reduction of €8 million compared to its 2014 spend.
According to the mayor, Maria Joaquina Baptista Quintans de Matos, some serious budgetary rigour has been applied to the various departments which has enabled planned and necessary reductions in local spending, down 15% on 2014, as the council focuses on "sustainability, quality and solidarity" - its latest woolly key words.
According to Matos, the first challenge will be to make sure all the council’s equipment and infrastructure is up to scratch and that its historic buildings are in good shape as the council strives to regenerate the local economy through investment, whether on its own or in partnership with local companies.
"We are aware that a new cultural imperative is key to tourism and is a lever for the economic development of Lagos," she asserted.
The council executive pointed out the other two challenges to maintaining budgetary discipline, "financial restraint and the strengthening of support to the most vulnerable in society who remain a steadfast priority."
The proposed budget for 2015 now will be submitted for review and approval by the full council assembly.
The Lagos budget differs in character from other council budgets so far announced as social care comes second to the business of the 'cultural imperative' set to ensure tourists are catered for by the regeneration of buildings and businesses related to tourism.
Part of the budget should be for 35% of the €950,000 final bill for fixing the Dona Maria II Bridge in what the mayor described in May as a “priority project." The balance of the cost is covered by an EU grant.
The bridge rebuilding project and the opening of the tendering period were approved in the summer with a pledge that the work will be completed before the summer of 2015. The twelve arches are to be strengthened and the pedestrian and bicycle lanes will be given more space.
This project will serve to free Lagos from traffic congestion at its entrance and alone will help boost the city's tourism appeal.
