(TALKZIMBABWE) Biti to start consultations for 2011 Budget

Biti to start consultations for 2011 Budget
By: Ralph Mutema
Posted: Sunday, July 25, 2010 9:09 am

FINANCE Minister Tendai Biti, who was criticised for failing to capture key stakeholder views in his recent Mid-Term Fiscal Policy Review Statement, says he will begin consulting on the 2011 National Budget next month.

Mr Biti said the consultations seek to gather views from a broad spectrum of the economy. The finance minister, despite claiming on his website that the budgetary process should be inclusive, has failed to consult key stakeholders.

Mr Biti has opted to consult only the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) and the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI).

In an interview with the press, after a barrage of criticism over his recent review statement, the minister said his ministry has already written to key stakeholders informing them of the impending programme.

“We will start consulting on the 2011 National Budget in August.

“So far, the ministry has sent out letters to various organisations that deal with labour and business,” he said.

The minister came under heavy criticism for omitting critical stakeholders in his pre-budget consultations.

Chairman of the House of Assembly Portfolio Committee on Budget and Finance Cde Paddy Zhanda accused him of making it a habit.

Muzarabani South House of Assembly Member Cde Edward Raradza said Mr Biti should identify critical areas of the economy that require urgent attention.

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) and the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) were among the organisations he consulted.