27 Jan 2020

The national budget has been described as government’s most important economic policy tool.

Speaker of the National Assembly Mr Phandu Skelemani told legislators yesterday that the budget provided a comprehensive statement of the nation’s priorities.

Mr Skelemani, who was officiating at the ongoing 12th Parliament budget analysis seminar  in Selebi Phikwe, said it was through the budget that government made political choices and sought allocation of resources for the common good.

He noted that Parliament had been given the constitutional mandate to approve the national budget through the Appropriation Bill.

Parliament, he said, played a significant role in scrutinising the budget and overseeing its proper implementation.

“Your role is not only in influencing political choices so that they effectively represent the wishes of the people but also in ensuring that the resources available are utilised in a transparent, responsible and accountable manner for the maximum benefit for all,” he said.

Mr Skelemani said for MP’s to execute their duties and participate meaningfully in budget debates, they needed to understand budgeting and public finance matters hence the seminar.

 “The knowledge acquired will go a long way in ensuring effective parliamentary participation in the budget process and establish checks and balances critical for transparent and accountable government resulting in efficient public service delivery, ” he said.

The seminar, held under the theme “Budgeting for a Knowledge Based Economy,”  is aimed at equipping MPs with critical tools necessary for budget scrutiny.

Explaining the choice of Selebi-Phikwe as the venue, Mr Skelemani said  Parliament “is here to give residents of Selebi Phikwe a glimmer of hope that all is not lost.”

Government, he said,  was committed to seeing the revival of the town which suffered a serious economic blow as a result of BCL mine closure in 2016.

Legislators are expected to tour the mine as well as mega projects in the area including those under Selebi Phikwe Economic Diversification Unit (SPEDU), Letsibogo Dam and tourism ventures.

“We are hopeful that through SPEDU and other key stakeholders, the town’s economic situation will soon be addressed,” he said. ENDS