FEBRUARY OPERATIONS COST GOVT K11.7 BILLION

THE Ministry of Finance and National Planning last month released K11.7 billion to finance public service delivery, with the Government wage bill and debt servicing segments continuing to receive the largest portion of funds.

Out of this amount, the treasury spent K4.3 billion on costs relating to the public service wage bill (personal emoluments) for various public service workers.

This included health, teaching and overseas allowances for diplomats in missions abroad, according to a February 2024 budget release issued on Monday by the ministry.

On debt and other liabilities, the release showed a release of K3.1 billion to reduce Government indebtedness.

“In line with Government’s commitment to reducing its indebtedness, a total sum of K3.1 billion was released.

“Of this amount, K2.9 billion was released towards the payment of both domestic and external debt service while K200 million was for dismantling of arrears,” according to the release.

The treasury released K2.1 billion towards transfers, subsidies and social benefits.

It also released K1.3 billion to implementation of various Government programmes and general operations while K911.3 million was freed towards capital expenditure programmes.

“The Treasury released a sum of K911.3 million towards capital expenditure. Of this amount, K536.5 million was for road Infrastructure, while K86.6 million was for construction of fuel depots, and K52.7 million was for the Rural Electrification Project.

“Further, K235.5 million was spent on projects under various Ministries Provinces and Agencies (MPA’s),” the release showed.