PARLIAMENT PASSES 2015/16 NATIONAL BUDGET

Members of Parliament on Thursday left aside their political differences and passed the 2015/16 national budget presented in the August House by Minister of Finance and Economic Development Goodall Gondwe.

At first Gondwe pegged the national Budget at MK901 billion and it was later adjusted upward to MK930 billion to accommodate some government departments that were not satisfied with the first allocation and one of it being the Ministry of Education Science and Technology.

Speaking after passing the budget, Gondwe hailed the MPs for passing of the budget, saying the debate on the budget so commendable.

Gondwe’s remarks were echoed by Government Chief Whip in the house, Francis Katsaila who thanked the MPs for putting the welfare of Malawians first.

“We have managed the processes very well. We want to see some impact and tangible activities on the ground,” he said.

On his part, Leader of Opposition Dr. Lazarus Chakwera said there was a lot of debate on the budget as the MPs wanted to make sure that the budget benefits all Malawians.

Meanwhile MPs today will resume deliberating in the August House up to next week which is the final week.