FINANCE MINISTER PRESENTS K19.3BN EXCESS EXPENDITURE BILL TO PARLEY

By OLIVER SAMBOKO
FINANCE and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane yesterday presented to Parliament a bill to approve excess expenditure from the Consolidated Fund of monies amounting to K19.3 billion.
The bill went through all the stages without any debate from members of Parliament.
The Speaker of National Assembly, Ms Nelly Mutti informed the house that the excess expenditure appropriation to which this bill gives effect has already been considered by the Committee on Planning and Budgeting.
In presenting the bill, Mr Musokotwane said the PF administration was unable to present the Excess Expenditure Appropriation bill no 40 of 2021, in the preceding session of parliament because of other labourious businesses that were to be considered.
He said of the K19.3 billion, K7.7 billion or 40 percent of the allocation was spent on financial restructuring and dismantling of arrears for importation of fuel.
“Out of the recommended K19.3 billion, K7.7 billion was spent on financial restructuring and dismantling of arrears, said Mr Musokotwane.
He also said another K3.1 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Health for the Covid-19 fight and procurement of other medical supplies.
Mr Musokotwane also said K1 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Health for the acquisition of Covid-19 vaccines as well as drugs.
He also said some of the money was allocated to the Electoral Commission of Zambia for preparation and conducting of the 2021 general elections.