Supplementary budget to be passed in August

Treasurer, Patrick Pruaitch said the government will introduce a supplementary budget this month before the introduction of the National Budget in November.

Pruaitch said the government officers are working around the clock to have appropriate strategies in place before a supplementary budget is introduced.

“Before this parliament raises, the government is looking at gong to announce the corrective measures after realistically assessing the situation and we will introduce a supplementary budget shortly,” Said Pruaitch.

Treasury Minister’s statements come after Goroka MP, Bire Kimisopa expressed concerns of breach in the parliamentary powers under the constitution and the denying of the utility of a supplementary budget if it is not introduced as soon as possible.

“Supplementary budget must not be introduced with the National Budget in November because the utility of the supplementary budget will be lost and you will deny our people, the important stake holders such as who are deeply engaged with the government one way or the other, they will be denied certainty in terms of their services to the nation.

“In addition a deep concern is that if you introduce the supplementary budget on November, you are by default abrogating the powers under the constitution and also the powers of parliament in terms of the appropriations.

Once appropriation has been set we all know Mr Speaker we all know that it is Law. If you were to make the corrections in November than you are in breach of the Law,” Said Kimisopa.

He added that another frightening trend is the absence of a supplementary budget where business houses transacts to a point where cheques are issued.

“It is quite disappointing and quite alarming that just after fiscal year 2015 approximately well over K400 Million worth of cheques are still floating which have been year marked for 2016,” he said.