Parliament Passes K511bn Provisional budget

Malawi Parliament has passed provisional budget of over 511 billion kwacha to be used from 1 July to 31 October 2019.

Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Joseph Mwanamveka presented the budget in the national assembly on Friday 28 June, 2019.

Speaking Mwanamveka said they have come up with the provisional budget because they did not have enough time to produce the 2019 to 2020 budget which is projected to be 2 trillion kwacha.

“50.7 billion dollars of the budget is grants and domestic borrowing will reduce from 4.1 to 0.3 percent,” said Mwanamveka

MCP spokesperson on finance supported the motion but urged government to make sure that the provisional budget is not misspent.

In his speech UDF spokesperson on finance while supporting the motion asked the Minister to use the budget for the intended purpose.

Mzimba north Yeremiah Chihana asked the Minister to ensure the cabinet is energetic and honour bills in hospitals.

“It was worrisome that Malawi has recently paid a debt of over 200 billion kwacha to Eco Bank which could be used for social services in the country,’ Chihana disclosed

Chihana advised the Minister to ask Reserve Bank of Germany and G20 leaders to help the country in improving the economy.

In his contribution MP for Zomba Changalume asked the Minister to strengthen Malawi Revenue Authority, Reserve Bank of Malawi and Ant- Corruption Bureau and abide by rules and regulations of World Bank.

Leader of UDF in parliament Lilian Patel questioned Mwanamveka on the status of constituency development funds, balances on previous budget and water fund.

MP for Nsanje North Esther Mcheka Chilenje called on fellow MPs to pass the budget for smooth running of the country.

Dowa West legislator Dr Ephraim Kayembe asked the Minister to check borrowing and clarify on how he is protecting local people.

Rumphi East MP Kamlepo Kalua queried Mwanamveka on the remedy he will use to improve the economy such as reducing the exchange rate to 750 kwacha per dollar and domestic borrowing from 4.1 to o.3 percent.

Lilongwe Mpenu MP Eisenhower Mkaka called for a provisional budget for re-run of elections.

This prompted the Minister to stand on point of order reminding the house on the rule not to talk about issues that are in court.

Then leader of the house Kondwani Nankhumwa moved a motion to cartel the debate because all MPs were in support of the provisional budget.

In his concluding remarks Minister of Finance thanked members of parliament for adopting the provisional budget and asked them to support it.

He then answered the questions which were posed by the legislators.

Among others Mwanamveka said “the constituency development fund is available in the provisional budget a response which was welcomed by all MPs.”