The war on fiscal discipline has been lost by government, says an opposition member of parliament
In spite of promises made by government that they would fix the economy, inflation still is high, budget deficits spiral out of control and Sierra Leone’s terms of trade worsen and harsh taxes imposed.
The opposition parliamentarian, Honourable Mohamed Alpha Jalloh made the claim during the debate on the just concluded debate on the 2024 budget.
In his submission, the Falaba district Member of Parliament has given out comparatively the statistical data in the sub-region on the high cost of living in the regions.
The noted that government’s defence of geopolitical situations in Ukraine and Palestine has nothing to do on the suffering masses in the country.
Honourable Jalloh affirmed that the people of Falaba district have been deceived by government owing to allocation of a pittance for the roads construction.
He said while Liberia and Guinea are moving forward, while Sierra Leone, under PAOPA is going backwards and blaming the situation on the Russia-Ukraine and the Israel-Palestine war.
He informed the House that the current budget deficit of the country was “very high” and advised that measures be put in place to save the country.
In her submission, member of parliament from Western Area Urban, Honourable Rosy Rugiatu Kanu said the 5% tax on rice and other commodities would worsen poverty in the country.
She appeals to government to reduce taxes owing to their ripple effect on the people especially the suffering masses. He sees the new budget as a wave of overspending thus prompting the question “Why do we budget to spend more than what we have?”
Apart from the call to fix the economy, opposition law makers also urged government to improve the water situation in the country, and more budget allocation could be a step in the right direction.
She also submitted that water was highly necessary in the pursuit of education.
“Children will not develop their education without access to water and good sanitation,” she said.
She also called for more construction of pre-schools around the country and underscored additional budgetary allocation to Gender Ministry.
She emphasised on the popularisation of the Gender Bill and also pleaded with transport Ministry to supply enough buses for schools and the people in the Western Area Urban.
On the other hand, Honourable Nenneh Lebbie from Bo district clarified that there was no need for the importation of rice.
“If Sierra Leone used to feed itself and export to other countries why not now,” she asked as she went on to state that bad governance and politics could be the cause.
The SLPP (Sierra Leone People’s Party) parliamentarian, Honourable Lebbie commended the visionary leadership of President Bio for transforming the agricultural sector and advised her colleague MPs not to politicise the budget, but urged all to come together and develop the nation.
On the 5% tax on rice, the MP welcomed the idea from the Government and went on to appeal to Sierra Leoneans to embark on farming.
Hon John Sartty Kargbo from Western Area Rural district said the budget should be discussed fairly while outlining the challenges.
The opposition law maker called on the Finance Ministry to address taxation as well as livelihoods as Sierra Leoneans go through tough times. The arguments even go outside the walls of parliament with men on the streets blaming government for the wrong economic policies that has led to their suffering.
They refute claims made by government that wars in faraway countries have direct impact on Sierra Leone, and the economic hardship continues even before the 5 per cent tax is implemented.
“We have not even faced the 5% tax on rice and we are starving, what will happen when the tax is imposed,” a concerned Sierra Leonean vented out his fear.
Other vulnerable groups have cautioned government about the tax hikes on goods and services as the increase in price would not help government.