The Liberian Senate has unanimously concurred with the House of Representatives for the passage of the 2024 National Budget in the amount of US$738,859,827.
The passage by the Senate during the final sitting of the special session on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 includes adjustments and discovery of additional revenue envelope of US$46,451,000.
In his report before the passage of the instrument, the Chairman of the Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget, Bong County Senator, Prince K. Moye said there were adjustments made to domestic debt obligations creating a net fiscal space of US$ 96,101,000.
Senator Moye said key considerations were given to Social Development with US$15.5million, Security and Rule of Law US$12.3 million, Infrastructure and Basic Services US$ 8.9 million, Municipal Government US$7.4 million, Energy and Environment US$ 7.1 million, Agriculture US$ 3.4million, Education US$3.3 million, Transparency and Accountability US$1.7million, including Industry and Commerce US$1.6 Million, as well US$4million for rehabilitation of disadvantaged youth (Zogoes) respectively.
During the debate, Senators expressed concerns over budget misuse and vowed to strengthen oversight to ensure it serves the best interests of the citizenry.
The 2024 fiscal envelop which was itemized will ensure the allotment of 25 percent of the Road Fund for the purchase of road equipment for all counties for maintenance purposes.
Accordingly, all revenue collected from the Road Fund shall be presented to the road authority by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning of which 5% shall go towards administration.
As the Government takes key interest in roads reconstruction consistent with the ARREST agenda, the Ministry of Public works is required to send to the Legislature a comprehensive list of all roads to be done under this budget within fifteen days.
At the same time, the budget will ensure that in the procurement of Government vehicles in this budget, besides the President, the Vice President, the Speaker, The President Pro-tempore, Deputy Speaker, and Chief Justice, shall not exceed forty five thousands United States Dollars.
In the desire of the legislature to ensure a smooth execution of the county development funds, it is required that all Social Developments Funds(SDF) including Land Rental fees shall be transferred to the affected counties escrow accounts.
The passage of the 2024 National Budget was one of the imperative reasons for the recall of the Legislature by President Joseph N. Boakai for a one month special session.
This budget is not sensitive to the plight of the Liberian people. Let Law makers apportioned a Lion share to the Masses.
This present 55th Legislature is made up of indecent opportunist and bunch of functionally literates. Let us reduced the budget so educate those Law Makers.