Fixing the nation’s water issues, getting people out of poverty and building easier access through road networks are among the key priorities expected to be outlined in this year’s budget.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad hinted at this during an interview yesterday.
Prof Prasad said they were aware that utilities such as water and electricity were basic necessities.
“We know that the situation right now and state of water infrastructure, especially in the Central Division, has deteriorated over the past many years,” he said.
He said some investment was made towards the Viria water project, which was expected to alleviate some issues once it was commissioned.
However, Prof Prasad said the issues of old pipes and leakages would remain, and these would take a substantial amount of time and money to fix.
“We need a large investment but water is a big priority for us.”
He also said that there were certain areas where roads needed to be maintained and even built.
“You see the repair work in urban areas but you look at some of the rural roads where the economic lifeblood is there, where people need it.
“So we’re going to focus on five key areas where we can support, because to get people out of poverty, you need economic infrastructure.
“You need people to have access to be able to get to the market and back home. But getting rid of poverty and looking at social welfare issues, targeting expenditure will be a big priority and you will see some of those in the coming budget.”
Meanwhile, Prof Prasad also confirmed the budget would be announced during the daytime this year.
“We want the media to have a lockup session, have a good lead time to be able to analyse the budget, look at it and cover in the print media, or radio and television effectively.
“No more night delivery of budgets.”
