Pressure looms on government’s finance

PRESSURE is looming on the Government’s finances.

This is according to the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Member of Parliament (MP) for Small Malaita, Hon Rick Hou.

Hon Hou told Parliament that during PAC inquiries, they were advised that the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services will be bringing a significant supplementary request in June this year.

This he added, is in line with the recommendations of the Cost of Policing Report and to also ensure Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) capabilities are retained with the exit of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).

The PAC Chairman then said that his Committee is also aware that the Ministry of Home Affairs is likely to bring a big supplementary in their preparations towards the 2023 Pacific Games and the upcoming General Elections.

“Sir, the point I am making is simple: we had a precarious financial situation at the time of drafting the 2017 Budget in 2016.

“The developments in the economy since then have not improved, and the outlook for the rest of this year is gloomy.

“Initiating and taking up further expenditures pressures on ourselves is in my view the most silly thing to do. As they say, soon the cows will come home!” Hon Rick Hou said.

He then said having stated his concerns; he will leave his arguments as it is as it is a matter for Government policy and prerogative to determine.



(Next News) »