Maru on Budget

Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, Richard Maru, has challenged the country to increase its National Budget allocation.

He says a country endowed with so much Mineral resources should not have any excuses.

He made the statement when comparing non mineral rich countries like New Zealand to PNG, who have constant National budgets of up to 100 billion annually.

Maru was pleased that the development budget has seen an increase from K2.5 billion to K4.6 billion which is projected to feed the Government’s economic stimulus package.

He said it was important to increase the investment budget so that critical infrastructure such as roads and wharfs can be built.

The Agriculture sector will be the main focus with K100 million being provided for through and  Agriculture equity fund.

He also announced the governments drive to grow rice in the country.

He said the government is determined to find the resources to make the 2018 budget work.

Author: 
Meredith Kuusa