As part of its review of the draft budget for the fiscal year 2024, the parliamentary Finance and Budget Committee, chaired by MP Ibrahim Kanaan, examined the Ministry of Public Works and Transport’s budget. The draft budget had been approved by the Cabinet on September 12.
The committee met in the presence of caretaker Minister of Public Works, Ali Hamieh.
Following the session, Kanaan stated that the committee had deemed irresponsible some of the credits, proposed by the government for the Ministry of Public Works. He noted a significant difference between the allocated amount of $61 million for the ministry and the actual amount of $248 million required for maintenance, public safety and the ministry’s requirements.
The Finance Committee urged the Ministry of Finance to honor its commitment by implementing the mechanism previously agreed-upon with the Ministry of Public Works. This mechanism, approved by law two years ago, aims to transfer 20% of airport revenues in dollars for improvement and maintenance.
Kanaan mentioned that the committee had decided to address the major shortcomings in the Ministry of Public Works’ budget with the government and the Ministry of Finance in order to ensure road safety, civil aviation security and airport maintenance.
Discussions regarding the electricity issue were suspended due to an inadequate allocation: the allocated budget being 1.9 billion pounds while the needs amount to 15 billion pounds.
It should be noted that on Monday, the committee requested that caretaker Minister of Energy, Walid Fayad, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, revise calculation standards for electricity expenses in all public institutions and administrations based on their needs.
The committee met in the presence of caretaker Minister of Public Works, Ali Hamieh.
Following the session, Kanaan stated that the committee had deemed irresponsible some of the credits, proposed by the government for the Ministry of Public Works. He noted a significant difference between the allocated amount of $61 million for the ministry and the actual amount of $248 million required for maintenance, public safety and the ministry’s requirements.
The Finance Committee urged the Ministry of Finance to honor its commitment by implementing the mechanism previously agreed-upon with the Ministry of Public Works. This mechanism, approved by law two years ago, aims to transfer 20% of airport revenues in dollars for improvement and maintenance.
Kanaan mentioned that the committee had decided to address the major shortcomings in the Ministry of Public Works’ budget with the government and the Ministry of Finance in order to ensure road safety, civil aviation security and airport maintenance.
Discussions regarding the electricity issue were suspended due to an inadequate allocation: the allocated budget being 1.9 billion pounds while the needs amount to 15 billion pounds.
It should be noted that on Monday, the committee requested that caretaker Minister of Energy, Walid Fayad, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, revise calculation standards for electricity expenses in all public institutions and administrations based on their needs.
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