Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Transformation Resource Centre (TRC) has urged the incoming coalition administration to exercise constraints over public coffers. The Centre’s statement reads in pertinent part, “with regards to determining cabinet size in relation to its upkeep, the formation intended… coalition government poses a serious threat on determining the number of ministerial portfolios this government is likely to have.
This is an issue of concern because it translates to unnecessary, extravagant spending. In a country with a GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of approximately US$ 2, 7 billion (about M48, 500,000,000 billion) and a population of 1,8 million people, it is unacceptable that a ministerial package and a deputy ministerial package (minister/deputy minister, 11/10 support staff [respectively] cost the country no less than M220 000 per package, per month. The Centre further advises against the worrying prevailing trend that of coalition governments in Lesotho of establishing deputy minister portfolios without providing a clear criterion of allocation.
The statement also decried the 27 member cabinet of ministers and eight deputy ministers of the previous coalition government saying it was high maintenance as it cost taxpayers around M7, 7 million a month. The Centre had also made a plea to the government to make a smaller cabinet of ministers and merge the ministries which will see the
ministers not exceeding 14. This they argue that move will relieve the fiscus, as they say the previous one (big cabinet) cost the government arm and leg to maintain.
Lambasting the previous administration’s conduct over its usage of public funds, the Centre says “…the outgoing government regime failed dismally to explain how state funds are accessed and ultimately utilized.
That section 113, Constitution of Lesotho, (Authorisation of expenditure in advance of appropriation) was not publicly invoked, and public funds were not accordingly utilized as a result; it is
clear indication of disregard of the state’s supreme law by government. Such should be avoided by government as they are the very least unconstitutional.
” It further expressed concern over what they call “worryingly patronage-centric system of politics” where they said it could amount to a big cabinet a move which they see as “reward for political loyalty and allegiance. ” TRC has previously warned the previous 4*4 coalition government against passing the appropriation bill before “stabilizing government.
“The Centre wishes to further remind the nation that the COVID-19 pandemic finds the state unprepared… the Centre wishes better services for the Basotho nation…” says the statement. TRC advocates for justice, peace and participatory development.
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