By Staff Reporter
Finance minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane has urged citizens to take up the opportunities in the 2024 National Budget to grow their businesses, create jobs for other citizens, and contribute to the development of the nation.
Dr Musokotwane stated that citizens should also actively participate in the development of the country.
Rendering a reflection for the coming weeks and months, Dr Musokotwane said 2024 was a year for further unlocking Zambia’s economic potential.
He stated that the programmes the government had put in place were targeted at contributing to anticipated economic transformation and growth and affirmed that the public sector had been positioned to ensure that efforts were made to lessen the encumbrances faced by citizens in doing business.
“The minister commits that the government will continue with zero tolerance to corruption and prudent financial management, having acquired the support of Parliament in executing the 2024 National Budget,” Dr Situmbeko stated.
He stated that the government needed the support of all other citizens to ensure that the country achieved the set objectives for 2024.
He stated that the programmes bordered on delivery of social services, economic growth, sustainability and countrywide improvement of lives of citizens.
“To effectively be implemented, most of them require the skills and services of locals for speedy implementation and community benefit. Given that all requirements are met, fellow citizens should take up the opportunities in the 2024 National Budget to grow their business, create jobs for other citizens, and contribute to the development of the nation,” stated Dr Musokotwane.
According to the January, 2024 budget release, the government released K13.3 billion to finance public service delivery, of which K2.6 billion was for transfers, subsidies and social benefits.
It stated that K1.5 billion was for implementation of various government programs and general operations, and K841.3 million for capital expenditure.
It further stated that K4.2 billion was released for the public service wage bill and an additional K4.2 billion for debt service ( domestic and external), and dismantling of arrears.
