OPPOSITION CALLED ON PM LILO TO EXPLAIN BUDGET CRISIS
The Opposition Leader called on PM Lilo to explain budget crisis. Photo: Parliament of Solomon Islands
Opposition Leader Dr Derek Sikua called on the Prime Minister to clarify today’s headline of the Solomon Star and Island Sun alleging that the government is facing a crisis in its 2014 budget.
The headline authored by veteran journalist, Alfred Sasako claimed that the government has been forced to slash this year’s constituency funding from 6-Million per constituency to 2.8-Million.
Hon. Dr Sikua said the headline can create unnecessary anxiety to the public and therefore warrants a clarification from the Prime Minister.
Dr Sikua said the 2012 and 2013 budget allocations, funding assistance from the Government of the Republic of China has always been 1-Million and the contribution from the Solomon Islands Government towards rural development has always been 1.8-Million.
He said if the source is referring to SIG funding support to constituencies through various government ministries, the prime minister should clarify to the public which ministry’s funding will be affected.