Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) has called on Government to expedite the enactment of the Planning and Budgeting Bill Number 22 of 2019.
Organization Executive Director Bernadette Zulu told Money FM News in an interview that key legislation should be reviewed to align procedure with fiscal policy, especially the Public Procurement Act Number 15 of 2011 and the Loans and Guarantees Authorization Act of the Laws of Zambia.
Mrs. Zulu said government must also ensure that the 2021 National Budget is planned with a focus of cushioning sectors from the negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic.
She further encouraged Government to pursue and actively seek an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme as it would contribute towards the country’s stride to economic recovery and growth.
“PMRC remains very optimistic with the 2021 Budget, as we have worked to contribute to the formulation through our submissions and continued engagements with the Ministry of Finance.”
“We finally submit that the 2021 National budget should be aligned to the Cluster Advisory Groups (CAGs) budget prioritization scope, as this would also contribute towards priority setting especially in relation to implementing the 7NDP,” Mrs. Zulu said.