Senators scrutinise 2012-13 draft budget

Members of the Senate have expressed concerns over some of the provisions and estimates of allocations proposed in the 2012/13 fiscal year. Some have cited unnecessary expenditures while others claim some allocations are insufficient.During the last session of an unusual term that ended yesterday, it was resolved that concerned authorities must revise some of the provisions in the budget proposal.Hon. Perrine Mukankusi , the chairperson of the senatorial standing committee on Economic Development and Finance, told the house that there was need to increase the tax base so that the country achieves its goal of easing donor dependence. “Our draft budget clearly shows that a big section of the economy is supported by funding from donors. A substantial way of collecting taxes should be established since it can enable us to generate internal revenue.” Senate President, Dr. Jean Damascene Ntawukuriryayo, observed that it was fitting to allocate enough funds to generate enough electricity.“In order to create favourable conditions for both local and international investors, electricity should be made readily available and at a cheaper price,” Ntawukuriryayo argued.Similarly, the Vice President of the Senate, Jeanne d’Arc Gakuba, observed that it was necessary to increase the disaster management budget, citing the recent flash floods that devastated several parts of the country.“We shall not be caught off guard next year if the effects of the rainy season become more negative than expected,” she said. However Senator Narcisse Musabyeyezu said that the budget does not reflect some of the resolutions agreed upon during the recent national dialogue.“We intend to establish a knowledge based economy but the draft budget has a very small allocation, yet the population should be empowered to become more knowledgeable,” he pointed out.While Musabyeyezu agreed that a lot of funds has been directed to the education sector, he argued that a mechanism should be in place to enable the general population to acquire a vast range of knowledge and skills.“Take agriculture as an example, which is the backbone of our economy. Most farmers lack basic knowledge on modern farming; thus, plans to change such a trend should be reflected in the budget,” he argued.Senator Henriette Umulisa proposed that local products should be prioritised on the local market while office expenditure and social welfare, especially among government officials, ought to be cut down.She cited a recent case when senators’ offices were supplied with new equipment procured abroad yet similar products could have been sourced locally.“Yes, sometimes imported goods may be of better quality but in such instances, Rwandan manufacturers should be empowered to improve their quality instead of buying abroad.”

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Senators scrutinise 2012-13 draft budget