The Parliament of Sierra Leone is set to begin debates on the 2025 National Budget on Thursday, November 21, 2024, as announced by the Clerk’s Office.

The discussion, scheduled to take place in the parliamentary chambers, will see Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the ruling and opposition parties critically examining the budget presented by the Minister of Finance last week.

The debates will focus on the budget’s alignment with the nation’s developmental goals and its potential impact on citizens’ livelihoods.

Opposition MPs have voiced concerns about the practicality and execution of past budgets, claiming that many allocations and promises have not translated into tangible outcomes.

Hon. Abdul Karim Kamara, Chief Whip of the opposition, expressed skepticism about the budget’s realism, stating, “What is normally in the budget is not reflective on the ground.”

He emphasized the need to scrutinize how Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) utilize allocated funds, highlighting longstanding underfunding in critical sectors such as the Standards Bureau.

Opposition MPs also pointed to the rising wage bill, which they believe hampers national development efforts. They argue that despite annual budget allocations, many MDAs remain unable to meet their developmental mandates, leaving citizens underserved.

On the ruling side, however, MPs described the budget as “pro-poor” and praised its focus on addressing key national challenges, including unemployment, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

SLPP MPs highlighted the inclusion of the Feed Salone initiative, which they view as a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to boost food security and alleviate poverty.

Deputy Speaker Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas acknowledged that while the Feed Salone project might not deliver immediate results, its success relies on a robust policy framework and long-term implementation.

He added that the initiative holds promise for addressing hunger and food scarcity in the future.

Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh urged national unity in tackling Sierra Leone’s challenges. He stated, “If we all work together as a nation, hunger will become a thing of the past.”

He also noted that the high cost of living is a global issue, not unique to Sierra Leone, citing comparative economic struggles in neighboring countries.

As the debates commence, the Parliament is expected to navigate differing perspectives to ensure that the 2025 budget effectively addresses Sierra Leone’s pressing needs while fostering sustainable development.