By Binta Jaiteh
Honorable Mambureh Njie, the Finance Minister has submitted the supplementary appropriation bill to the lawmakers for consideration and approval.
According to the minister, the legal requirements for the presentation of a supplementary appropriation bill, section ( 153) (1) of the 1997 constitution of the Republic of The Gambia requires a supplementary estimated bill be laid before the assembly for approval. If the amount appropriated under the appropriation act is insufficient or that a need has arisen for a purpose for which no amount has been appropriated by that act.
He said , section (30 ) sub section ( 2) of the public finance act equally requires the Minister to submit a supplementary budget to the National Assembly , when substantial changes in the economic and social conditions require larger expenditures than original and revised budgets allow and that the supplementary budget should detail our additional expenditures and sources of their financing .
“The emergence of the new COVID -19 variant has increased the uncertainties surrounding the pandemic. Nevertheless the short term outlook is stronger than previously envisaged ,with global economic growth projected at 5.5 and in 2021 and 4.2 and in 2022” he said
Furthermore , key among them include the shortfall for financing upcoming related activities. Other expenses include the compensation of affected landowners on the planned extension of the Bertil Harding Highway and the construction of secondary roads.
However, the arrears associated with the construction of the Kaleng Bushtown and Basse – Yorabowal roads. The revised scope of work identified additional works to cover major drainage outlets in Cotton Street.
The Gambia government owes the university of The Gambia arrears of scholarship in excess of D100 Million. The amount included in the SAP is to settle part of the scholarship arrears owed to the University.
Honorable Maryam Jack Denton, speaker of the National Assembly said the president has issued a certificate of urgency and instructions that honorable minister for finance and economic affairs to table the supplementary bill.
However, before formally dealing with the bill itself the Minister is required by both section (153) of the constitution and standing orders clause (88 )to table supplementary estimates showing the sums required . Once it is approved by the house the bill shall be introduced without notice as approved in the estimates
