Free State budget is insufficient – FF Plus refuses to support it
13 November 2018
The state coffers are empty and there are no more slices left in the cake. The Free State adjustment budget that was tabled today during a session in the provincial Legislature is insufficient and will not address the problems and needs of the people of the Free State.
Provincial departments' underspending of their conditional budget allocations due to poor planning, a lack of leadership and incorrect priorities contributed to the province forfeiting R71 million.
The underspending by key departments, like the provincial Department of Agriculture's underspending of 31,5%, is disturbing. The agricultural sector in the Free State makes an enormous contribution to the South African economy. The sector ensures job creation for thousands of people. And, thus, this Department's underspending must be urgently addressed. The agricultural sector in the province must be stimulated and expanded. The additional R13,5 million that was allocated to the Department for drought relief is also insufficient.
While the Department of the Premier is allocated a further R74 million, the Department of Health loses R22 million. This is a clear indication that the ANC government's priorities are wrong.