More billions beckon for BDF
Staff Writer | Wednesday September 27, 2017 14:45
Finance and Economic Development Minister, Kenneth Matambo told stakeholders at the Budget Pitso yesterday that the 2018/19 budget would carry a deficit equal to minus four percent of GDP, a level he said was the deepest government was prepared to bear.
It is estimated that government will spend P66.9 billion in the next budget, which kicks off in March 2018, compared to revenues of P58.8 billion. A list of five priorities for spending features a category entitled “good governance and strengthening of national security”. Funding will go towards “upgrading of equipment to enhance security capabilities,” as well as construction of offices and housing accommodation for police, prisons and soldiers.
The budget estimates read in part: “Government, through NDP 11, committed to implement strategies to safeguard territorial integrity and sovereignty and ensure public safety and protection. The nature of operations of the safety and security agencies makes its inevitable to invest in infrastructure development in order to realise the goals envisaged under the national priority area”.
The listing of new BDF equipment as a priority for a budget carrying an P8 billion deficit, is expected to rankle many who have criticised government for pushing ahead with billions of Pula in purchases of aircraft and other military equipment, despite competing social needs.
Defence, Justice and Security Minister, Shaw Kgathi as well as President Ian Khama have spent a large part of the year defending the purchases of new equipment for the BDF, citing the need for modern security.
Economic and Financial Policy secretary, Taufila Nyamadzabo told the pitso that the planned funding for security was essential for national security.
“As a country, you must feel protected and people have been saying you are spending too much on defence, but it is also a form of insurance,” he said.
“That equipment has to be replaced over time. They have to replace worn out equipment to be able to work properly.” Fiscal authorities at the pitso vowed to clamp down on wayward spending in light of the projected deficit, saying greater discipline and prudent management was required. Prominent economist, Keith Jefferis said the message of prudent allocation of resources appeared to be falling on deaf ears.
“I still see spending decisions that don’t make sense in terms of allocating scarce resources efficiently,” he said.
“For instance, under NDP 11, at least 10% is set aside for electricity subsidies. We have education and health and other needs that are not receiving enough and the question is whether the message is getting through about spending money wisely. It must be about rational allocation.”