The National Legislature comprising National Assembly and Council of States on Tuesday approved the National Budget to the tune of 11.3 billion South Sudanese Pounds.
The budget prioritizes peace and security with focus on sustaining the government function amidst crisis, cutting travel cost, training and other operating expenditures.
Economy, Development and Finance Committee of the legislature reallocated 163 million Pounds as additional spending for Juba Water System, Audit Chamber, Ramciel feasibility studies and rehabilitation of Wau, Juba and Malakal Airports.
The legislature also passed Finance Appropriation Bill 2014/2015 for exacting the use of the budget.
Assembly Minority Leader Onyoti Adigo Nyikwec raised the need to focus on food security, education and health as promised priorities to address citizens’ basic needs.
Finance Minister Aggrey Tisa Sabuni commended the Augus House for keen observations and recommendations, vowing to consider their views for the betterment of the nation.
He said once revenues stabilize after peace deal with the armed opposition, the government would focus on socioeconomic infrastructural development.