Realign spending, say two economists STAFF REPORTERNamibian Sun briefly spoke to economists Mally Likukela and Namene Kalili prior to the tabling of the budget in parliament yesterday. Both called on finance minister Calle Schlettwein to realign spending priorities.
FNB Namibia research and development manager Kalili said: “With the economy downshifting, public expenditure outturn is expected to be lower. Hence expenditures will need to be realigned with the revenue outturn in order to stabilise public debt and therefore safeguard our sovereign ratings.”
Twilight Consulting managing director Likukela said in his pre-assessment: “The revenue stream remains under pressure, thus leaving the fiscus with very limited space to collect and explore. If the government is to make a serious comeback, it will have to make serious sacrifices such as cutting the wage bill, putting an end to public funds wastage, and holding the culprits accountable.”
Finance minister Calle Schlettwein tabled the budget yesterday.