Partners, stakeholders views on new Budget

Lamin Momodou Manneh, UN resident coordinator. ‘We, in the UN are interested in job creation. We commend the substantial Budget increase, and the of the 10 per cent Budget allocation for youth and overall employment creation and schemes. Employment is a major issue to address, if a nation is to meet its development goals, like second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy (EDPRS 2). We surly support the overall trust of the Budget, which is designed to address, among others, education, industrial economy (specifically, small and medium sector enterprises) are incorporated in the Budget Framework.’ -------------------------- Amb. Michael Ryan, head of European Union delegation. ‘We commend the fact that the Budget has looked at job creation, as well as capacity building and stimulating the private sector. We have great respect for open and transparent way in which the budget is conducted to parliament. As an EU support donor, we are very interested in financial manage-free on a range of budget issues. The EU will be supporting the financial manage-free in electricity and agriculture, because those are the two priority areas in the Budget that we believe can create jobs and bring sustainable development.’ ----------------------------- MP Constance Rwaka Mukayuhi, Chairperson of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Budget and National Patrimony. ‘The whole process of Budget consultations was incorporative. It involved all stakeholders, right from private sector to public sector. This shows that everyone has a role to play, if Rwanda is to reach a desired development. Although 2013/14 development rates did not go as we all wished, the 6 per cent increase rate for the new Budget gives us much hope for a better economic perspective. Now that the Parliament has approved the Budget presented, we are going to have a very fast committee consultations, hopefully by the end of next week, we shall be able to present a general report to the prepay meeting. As soon as the President approves the Budget by the end of this month, then by July 1, we should be in position to start implementing the new Budget.’ ------------------------- MP Juvenal Nkusi, chairperson of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee. ‘Parliament should take forefront to finding incentives designed to bring on solution for a better economic grown in the next year. To be fair enough, our economy has undergone a recess. Then we should instead look back and see what we can do as a nation to get out of this more-like recession. I urge all parliamentarians to work together in finding a desired solution.’ ----------------------------- Gerald Mukubu, director of advocacy in Private Sector Federation. ‘We have great respect for incentives being given to the private sector. The engagement was really substantial, even though it was a bit delayed. We call up the government to engage us (the private sector), in budget consultations as early as possible. In this regard, our contributions will be much greater. However, we strongly appreciate the involvement of the private sector, which we believe will derive us to a sustainable development as nation, all together.’ --------------------------------- Theoneste Karenzi, Public Accounts Committee vice chairperson. ‘The Budget has put emphasis on EDPRS 2. Having more that 50 per cent of the total Budget aimed at accomplishing these national development strategies gives us courage as leaders, to worker even harder. Striving to ensure accountability, and serving with full dedication is the only way we will be able to achieve sustainable development. What we are interested in as PAC is to make sure that these development objectives which are programme-oriented are attained.