04 Dec 2016

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development expects to spend P5.598 million on consultancy work for preparation of the National Development Plan 11.

Finance minister, Mr Kenneth Matambo explained on Wednesday (November 30), that the consultancy work for NDP 11 was done by Batswana.

He outlined that his ministry engages consultants on need basis to assist in preparation of NDPs and undertake mid-term reviews.

“These consultants are usually retained for a period of 18 to 24 months. During the preparation of the development plans consultants work with myself as and when necessary, but otherwise work more closely with officials within my ministry, who guide them and provide relevant information on issues such as macro-economic and budget projections,” Mr Matambo explained to Parliament.He stated that three consultancies were engaged since 2008 for preparation of NDP 10, mid-term review of NDP 10, and preparation of NDP 11.

For NDP 10 preparation, he said the consultancy cost P4.383 million, while it cost P1.386 million for NDP 10 mid-term review. He said consultants for NDP 10 preparation were expatriates.

Selebi Phikwe West MP, Mr Dithapelo Keorapetse had asked the ministry to explain the use of consultants, and the number of consultancy services sought for planning NDP 10 and 11. ENDS