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In the current budget, Minister Biti had estimated a Vote of Credit of about US$810 million which was later revised downwards to US$500 million.
The committee’s chairman Mr Zhanda said such amounts should be announced only when there is a strong commitment from development partners.
“Ideally, it is important that such amounts are only announced when there is firm commitment from development partners. As such, it is important that the figures announced in the budget be realistic and take into cognisance external factors,” he said.
“There is the problem of a mismatch in allocation of programme funds. For example, our budget year is from January to December whereas development partners have some financial years starting in April.”
He was speaking during a Parliamentary pre-budget seminar in Victoria Falls last week that was attended by Parliamentarians, senators, chiefs and captains of industry and senior Government officials.
Online Reporter