Economist calls for budget transparency
Wednesday, February 04, 2015
Dr Tlhalefang
Speaking at the Stanbic Bank Budget Review session held at Thapama Hotel yesterday, Dr Jonah Tlhalefang, a senior economics lecturer at the University of Botswana (UB) said the private and public sectors, as well as the media and public, must hold government accountable for how it uses natural resources.
He said the budget is government’s most powerful instrument to meet the needs, and fulfill the priorities of its people.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...