05 Feb 2018

Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Kenneth Matambo says the proposed ministerial recurrent budget amounts to P45.14 billion, thus showing a growth of 13.8 per cent over the revised 2017/2018 budget.

Delivering the 2018 budget speech, Mr Matambo said out of the ministerial recurrent budget for the 2018/19 financial year, P32.40 billion or 71 per cent is allocated to ministries of basic education, health and wellness, local government and rural development, defence, justice and security and tertiary education, research, science and technology.

The largest share amounting to P7.97 billion or 17.7 per cent of the total ministerial recurrent budget is proposed for allocation to the Ministry of Basic Education citing that the proposed provision caters for payment of utilities, books, equipment, maintenance of facilities, food supplies in secondary schools as well as other educational related commitments including teachers’ salaries and allowances.

According to Mr Matambo, that will primarily deliver on government’s firm commitment to prioritise human capital development as indicated in the Eleventh National Development Plan (NDP 11).

He said that the second largest share of 16.7 per cent or P7.54 billion is allocated to the Ministry of Health and Wellness adding that whilst a substantial portion is for personal emoluments, the allocation caters for drugs, medical specialist fees, ARV therapy and government’s contribution to Botswana Public Officers Medical Aid Scheme.

Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is proposed to receive the third largest share of P6.28 billion or 13.9 per cent, this allocation, he said, includes the provision for Revenue Support Grants to district and urban Councils.

He said the proposed allocation will also include the provision for maintenance of existing infrastructure, food supplies in primary schools and social grants mainly under the Orphan Care Programme and Old Age Pension Scheme citing that this demonstrates government’s commitment to social protection and development by providing services to the needy and vulnerable in the society.

On the other hand, Mr Matambo said government remains steadfast in the provision of safety and security for Botswana and in that respect the fourth largest share of P5.85 billion or 13 per cent of the ministerial recurrent budget is proposed for allocation to the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security.

He noted that the proposed allocation will cover operational cost under Botswana Defence Force, Botswana Police Services, Department of Prisons and Rehabilitation, the new Office of the Receiver as well as subvention to Legal Aid Botswana.

Mr Matambo said the fifth largest share is allocated to Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology which amounts to P4.75 billion or 10.5 per cent and this will mainly cater for tertiary student scholarships and subventions to University of Botswana and Botswana International University of Science and Technology.

Ministry of Transport and Communications received the sixth largest share amounting to P1.97 billion or 4.4 per cent and a major portion of the budget is earmarked for maintenance of roads, buildings, plant and equipment including ICT infrastructure.

Mr Matambo noted that the proposed budget will also cater for subvention to Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana for the replacement and maintenance of strategic assets and to Botswana Post for Universal Service Obligations.

Other Ministries that are allocated significant amounts of the Ministerial Recurrent Budget are Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration at P1.40 billion (3.1 per cent), Ministry of Agricultural

Development and Food Security at P1.34 billion (three per cent), Ministry of Investment, trade and Industry with P1.05 billion (2.3 per cent) and Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development at P1 billion or 2.2 per cent.

He said the rest of the ministries and independent departments share the remaining portion of the ministerial recurrent budget amounting to P5.98 billion or 13.3 per cent. ENDS