EC MEC tables "mini-budget" in Bhiso legislature on Tuesday

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Eastern Cape opposition parties call for clear financial direction from Provincial Planning and Finance, Pumulo Masualle, when he tables his so-called mini-budget in the Bhisho legislature on Tuesday.

And, opposition parties are hoping that the Adjustments Appropriation Bill, will give clear direction on the action needed to rescue the province from under-expenditure.

Sam Kwelita of the Congress of the People says he wants Masualle to address the financial crisis facing the Departments of Education and Health.

He says its an indication of poor planning in the two departments.

"The shortages which they face are shortages that were reflected at the beginning of the financial year. So, there's nothing new. Off-course there has been a disaster in the province (floods) and one expects that the national government has given some funds to assist in those various disaster (areas)," he said.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance says historical patterns of under expenditure are a fiscal nightmare wrecking service delivery in the province.

DA leader in the Bhisho legislature, Bobby Stevenson, says no-one is being held accountable and there's no consequences for poor performance.

He says the fiscal nightmare being experienced in the Eastern Cape highlights the broken chain of accountability that flows from MEC's right throughout government departments.