Opposition urges gov’t to speed process.

By Andrew Fanasia Jr.

Editor's Desk

The citizens of this country are anticipating hearing and seeing the government’s policy framework and its budgetary plan for the next four years.

Member of Parliament for Small Malaita constituency Mr. Rick Hou echoed the same sentiment expressed by other opposition members; about the timing of the government’s policy framework and budgetary plans to be known as soon as possible.

Mr. Hou firmly questioned the time frame taken by the government to come out with its priorities and the budget.

“How long is the enough time for the new government to formalize its policy framework and the national budget taking into consideration the time frame from August 2010 into April 2011,” Mr. Hou questioned the government in parliament yesterday.

He added that the time frame should be sufficient for the government to put in place their priorities and the national budget.

Mr. Hou said after parliament passed the 2010 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2010 and the Motion of Resolution the government is expected to seriously put forward their policies and their plans for the 2011 national budget.

“We cannot wait another eight months for this budget and our people are waiting tirelessly to see the budget,” Mr. Hou firmly told the government side yesterday in parliament.

On the same issue, Member of Parliament for Auki/Langalanga Matthew Wale said our people want to see the government that is fully functioning.

“A government that is financed, a government that is looking after their interests,” Mr. Wale said.

It was widely expressed on the floor of the parliament by the opposition members that the people of this country wanted to see the Government’s 2011 budget as soon as possible.

The Member of Parliament for North East Choiseul Mr. Manasseh Sogavare also challenged the government to accelerate the process to get the 2011 budget before parliament for parliament’s scrutiny.

Mr. Sogavare however, commended the development partners for their contribution towards 2010 budget and hope to see the same contribution to the 2011 national budget.

Meanwhile, Mr. Philip confidently told parliament yesterday that the new government policy framework is in the final stage and “we will launch our policy on Monday next week.”