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{
    "id": 1083009,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1083009/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 248,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Seme, JP",
    "speaker_title": "Hon. (Dr.) James Nyikal",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Then there is the legal provision in Article 223 of the Constitution. To a large extent, this Supplementary Budget is based on Article 223 of the Constitution because a lot of the money has been spent. If we decrease the allocations, it means that there was either lack of absorption or lack of release of the Exchequer. Sometimes we say the MDAs are not able to use the money but the reality is there was no money released to them. So, we are sanitising that here now. We cannot accept that! If we increase, it means we need more money. Article 223 of the Constitution is very clear on that. It talks about when the money that was budgeted is not sufficient, or when a need has arisen. In this Supplementary Estimates, the only need that has arisen is COVID-19. So, that is what we should be doing the Supplementary Budget for. Again, I ask the Budget and Appropriations Committee that before they present the Supplementary Estimates before us, they must make sure it adheres to Article 223 of the Constitution. They must show that a need has arisen. They should give us the details. We all do not read. There is a debate as to whether we are able to read or not, and whether we should be able to read or not. There is need for that now. They should tell us clearly that a need has arisen and what it is. They should also tell us that the money that was provided was not sufficient and for which project the money was not sufficient. We should not go over it quickly and pass it. There is also a time limit; it must be within two months. That is what Article 223 of the Constitution says. The Budget and Appropriations Committee must let us know that that has been adhered to and if it has not, they should not bring it to us. The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}