KABUL (SW): Members of the Finance and Budget Committee of the Wolesi Jirga (lower house) have warned the proposed draft Annual Budget 2018-19 would be rejected by the house on technical terms.
The members the WJ will not approve the draft of budget until the government includes the National Rural Road Construction Projects in the 2018 budget plan. Sadiq Ahmad Usmani, member of the Committee, told Salam Watandar that they are working together with the ministries on the draft of the budget, however, if the suggestions of the WJ members are not included in the budget plan, it will be rejected by the house again.
Mr. Usmani added that changes in the ground rules of the budget plan, removal of dozens of infrastructure projects and water supply projects, and the cutback of 70 billion AFN in the development budget are among the main causes behind the rejection of the budget by the WJ.
However, Ajmal Hamid Abdul Rahimzai, Director of Public Relations and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, said the budget plan for 2018 has been prepared on the basis of national and international standards. According to Mr. Abdul Rahimzai, the suggestions of members of WJ will be included in the budget plan based on the national interests and capacity of the Ministry of Finance.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance urged members of WJ to approve the 2018 budget plan as soon as possible. The budget plan for 2018 is expected to be sent to the WJ in two weeks.
ENDS
