BY LUSEKELO PHILEMON
26th April 2013
Prof Maghembe told to source more funds
With 398bn/- the budget is far less than last year’s 465bn/-, this is despite the augmented demand caused by various factors including population growth as well as increased business and agricultural activities.
In the circumstances, Speaker of the National Assembly Anne Makinda was forced to instruct the responsible ministry to retract the budget estimates, seek aid from the Finance ministry and Parliamentary Budget Tracking Committee to raise additional funds to supplement the deficiency.
The Speaker’s decision came after a number of lawmakers and MPs avidly and with clear examples of their various constituency needs, argued that the budget allocated for water was just too small to address the sector’s problems.
Acknowledging the concerns, the Speaker ruled that in fact the allocated amount was not sufficient and that more funds were needed if the ministry is to comprehensively address the critical water woes plaguing the nation.
“Since yesterday (Wednesday) most legislators have been threatening not to support the motion. There is a need for the ministry to look for more funds,” she conceded and suspended any further debate until Monday when it will resume.
Speaking for the government, Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda also admitted the shortfalls of the estimates as he responded to a question posed by leader of the opposition camp Freeman Mbowe.
Mbowe had wanted clarification as to the government’s reluctance to suspend debate on the tabled 2013/2014 budget estimates for the Ministry of Water even though the document was gravely flawed by the poor estimates.
“As government, we’re aware of the challenges facing the water sector ...,” admitted the Premier “…but, the problem we’re facing is limited funds to simultaneously finance all water projects across the country,” he asserted.
As such, the PM asked the House to grant the government time to work on the tabled budget and come up with practical solutions to increase the funds. Among options on the table to raise the needed money (estimates not disclosed) is the reallocation of funds from other sectors.
“…we have started working on it … we are considering redirecting funds allocated for other charges (OCs)” Pinda said, calling on legislators to assist.
Rain-harvesting technology was another issue raised by Mbowe as a viable alternative water source to which the PM seconded.
He noted that it would serve as an important tool in addressing the water crisis particularly in rural areas.
It is Susan Lyimo (Special Seats, Chadema) who brought to the attention of the House that the 398bn/- allocated for water development in the 2013/14 financial year, is grandly smaller than last year’s 465bn/- budget.
“…water shortage has remained a serious challenge across the country … our people have no access to clean and safe water but this year’s budget is less than last year’s …,” the MP revealed as she expressed utter shock and disappointment.
As did most MPs in the House, Lyimo made it clear that she would not second the motion to pass the estimates.
Amina Abdulla Amour (Special Seats, CUF) underscored the need for hefty investment in the water sector citing water woes in Dar es Salaam as a challenge that needs realistic long term solutions to address the overwhelming shortage.
She also expressed dismay over the limited budget allocation and cautioned that the meager amounts are not in line with the government’s will to address the crisis in a sustainable manner.
“We are tired of having too many priorities … pick a few and work on them to completion …,” she complained and suggested that “…we can prioritise water and education this year and then in the next financial year we work on other priorities, that way the funds will always be sufficient ….”
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
No comments :
Post a Comment