The State Minister for Finance in Western Equatoria State has presented the draft budget for the year 2012/2013 and the expenditure for 2011/2012 to the State Legislative Assembly.
John Russie told the House that he needs 2.8 million pounds to run the finances of the State Ð one million less than last year, Anisa FM reported.The minister claimed that the austerity measures badly affected Western Equatoria because the major sources of revenue were centralized by the National Government.
Mr Russie added that the local collections dropped drastically from over 439 thousand Pounds in July to 65 thousand Pounds in September.
He pointed out that the state is planning to introduce additional taxes like vehicle and building permits to balance the books.
The House passed the proposed budget to the specialized committee for finance to scrutinize and present its report after seven days for the second reading.