MCP, PP Expects Investment Based Budget

Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development is expected this afternoon to present 2015/2016 National Budget in the National Assembly.

Hon Goodall Gondwe is to present a budget statement whose estimates are approximately up to K900 billion.

Expectations from Malawi Congress Party and Peoples Party

Two major opposition parties spokesperson on finance matters in the national assembly have emphasized that government should bring budget that outlines how it intends to promote productivity and less consumption.

According to Peoples Party (PP) Spokesperson on Budget and Finance Matters in the National Assembly honorable Ralph Jooma, this year's budget has to provide not less than 30% to investment and development with minimal allocation to consumption.

"It must be investment budget otherwise we are going to continue facing a lot of problems in this country." Said Jooma

He noted that focus on investments will help Malawi to realise the growth of private sector and alleviate poverty among Malawians rather than budget which focus more on consumption. He said saving little by little will see Malawi in five year time have stable economy.

Similarly, MCP spokesman for Finance matters in parliament honorable Joseph Njobvuyalema said he expects budget which focus much on Incentives for businesses as one way of enhancing economic productivity.

He also mentioned that since government has expressed its continued focus on Subsidy Programme, this year's budget will not add up to anything if there is no clear explanation as well as effective outline of how the mess that characterised the Subsidy Programmes shall be wipeout out so that it benefits Malawians.

Hon Jobvuyalema also expects to hear how government will sort out its outstanding arrears with various companies.