Govt to spend N$6,3 billion on development

GOVERNMENT will roll out billions of dollars over the next three years for nearly 900 development projects to accelerate development in the country.

This is the largest amount ever allocated for this purpose since Independence. Last Tuesday, Cabinet approved the development budget for the 2007-08 to 2009-10 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) as presented by the National Planning Commission (NPC).A total of 862 projects, of which 67 are new projects, were submitted for the MTEF for an estimated budget of N$6,3 billion.This leaves a shortfall of N$492,8 million for the MTEF period.”After technical budget consultations with all Government offices, ministries and agencies and a briefing to Ministers in November 2006, the Director General of the NPC and some Ministers held discussions with President Hifikepunye Pohamba to consult on special projects,” Acting Information Minister Nangolo Mbumba told reporters at the end of last week.By March 2008, a total of 325 projects are expected to have been implemented at a cost of N$2,21 billion.”Although the allocation for the coming MTEF is N$700 million above the 2006-07 budget, it still does not meet the needs,” Mbumba added.Government would continue to consult with all stakeholders and development partners in efforts to prioritise and to bridge the gap.By March 2009, Government intends to spend N$2,06 billion and in the financial year ending March 2010 another N$2,06 billion.Last Tuesday, Cabinet approved the development budget for the 2007-08 to 2009-10 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) as presented by the National Planning Commission (NPC).A total of 862 projects, of which 67 are new projects, were submitted for the MTEF for an estimated budget of N$6,3 billion.This leaves a shortfall of N$492,8 million for the MTEF period.”After technical budget consultations with all Government offices, ministries and agencies and a briefing to Ministers in November 2006, the Director General of the NPC and some Ministers held discussions with President Hifikepunye Pohamba to consult on special projects,” Acting Information Minister Nangolo Mbumba told reporters at the end of last week.By March 2008, a total of 325 projects are expected to have been implemented at a cost of N$2,21 billion.”Although the allocation for the coming MTEF is N$700 million above the 2006-07 budget, it still does not meet the needs,” Mbumba added.Government would continue to consult with all stakeholders and development partners in efforts to prioritise and to bridge the gap.By March 2009, Government intends to spend N$2,06 billion and in the financial year ending March 2010 another N$2,06 billion.