Southern African Regional Poverty Network (SARPN) SARPN thematic photo
Home  |  Subscribe  |  Contact SARPN  |  Site map Français   Portuguкs            
Country analysis > Swaziland Last update: 2020-11-27  
leftnavspacer


Search
 Related documents

[previous] [table of contents] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [next]

Report on the Civil Society Budget Forum, Mbabane - 27 March 2003

4. Open discussion

At the end of the presentations attendants engaged in an open discussion. They made comments and asked questions from government officials responsible for the budget as the minister could not be present for the session. The officials however could only respond to a few questions due to time constraint. Below are some of the questions from the floor and responses from government as well as comments.

  1. Millennium projects
    On capital projects and poverty and alleviation, it was asked whether the airport to be constructed at Sikhuphe is an economic need or millennium command?


  2. Priorities on capital investments.
    Participants wanted to know how capital projects were prioritised. The example made was the fact that Shiselweni is hard hit by poverty and underdevelopment yet construction of dams to stimulate economic growth are targeted in better off regions. Officials said the airport is a Millenium Plan. They said government through the local media houses is presently educating the public on what it is doing with regards the millennium projects. Furthermore more studies on the projects are conducted to justify the investment. On the dam issue, officials said dam construction is under the ministry of agriculture and is based on a program, which its resources are included in the budget. They gave an assurance that the program would reach the Shiselweni region.


  3. Education System
    Another concern raised was that of the education system in the country. It was asked if taxpayers were getting value for their money on the quality of education considering that temporary teachers go for months without payment. Officials said that there is a need to redirect resources to primary education as compared to tertiary education. In this regard a policy is still to be developed.
Other comments and questions that were not responded to include:

  • The issue of government trips applying to all civil servants.


  • The national lottery being run by government.


  • The commonly used phrase ‘ pockets of poverty’ being discontinued as it downplays the situation


  • What is governments policy regarding wealth distribution?


  • Are factory shells contributing in a diverse way?


  • What could be done to ensure that other sources yield enough to support SACU.


  • Why is there no privatisation policy?


  • How long will the country continue deficit financing?
[previous] [table of contents] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [next]


Octoplus Information Solutions Top of page | Home | Contact SARPN | Disclaimer