Parliament members approved a 398 million dollar budget for the National Assembly last Friday. This budget doubles the previous amount of 196 million dollars. The new money gives 363 million for daily operations. It saves 5 million for development projects. Chief party representatives met with Deputy Speaker Phillipus Katamelo to resolve earlier disagreements.
The approval came after much debate about limited resources. Many lawmakers felt the money was not enough for their needs, so they refused the budget plan during the April sessions. The finance committee started reviewing their complaints about office space problems. Some members wanted better facilities before voting yes.
Lawmakers settled their differences during a short twenty-minute break. Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila reported good use of previous funds, with 93 percent spent properly. She explained that the security guardhouse building plans faced delays because of technical drawing problems. The National Council also received 140 million dollars in the same budget process, a small increase from last year.
The approval came after much debate about limited resources. Many lawmakers felt the money was not enough for their needs, so they refused the budget plan during the April sessions. The finance committee started reviewing their complaints about office space problems. Some members wanted better facilities before voting yes.
Lawmakers settled their differences during a short twenty-minute break. Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila reported good use of previous funds, with 93 percent spent properly. She explained that the security guardhouse building plans faced delays because of technical drawing problems. The National Council also received 140 million dollars in the same budget process, a small increase from last year.
