Govt urged to consider delaying 2019 national budget

Government has been advised to seriously consider delaying the presentation of the 2019 national budget in view of the freezing of financial aid to Zambia by some cooperating partners.

MMD Nevers Mumba led faction spokesperson Cephas Mukuka says his party strongly holds the view that next year’s national budget which is due for presentation this Friday, needs some restructuring.

Dr. Mukuka says government should not ignore the fact that the Country’s national budget which is partly financed by donors has been affected by the frozen donor aid.

In an interview, Dr. Mukuka says his party is worried that there will be a very big distortion in figures if the minister of finance goes ahead to present the 2019 national budget this week.

He says it is therefore important that government revisits the national budget by taking into consideration the withdrawn donor aid.

Dr. Mukuka adds that it is will also be important in future for government to ensure that the Country’s national budget does not heavily rely on donor aid.