GOVT FAILED TO SEE BEYOND NOSE: OPPOSITION LEADER

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Leader of Opposition, Hon. Jeremiah Manele says it is important to note that the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016 - 2035 only serves as a guide to development planning and budgeting.
Hon. Manele said It is not mandatory or a must for governments in the next 18 years to comply with it in terms of aligning their Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) and budgets to it. 
Mr. Manele said "herein lies our challenge in terms of being able to achieve the vision, mission, and objectives of the NDS. While its non-mandatory status gives the incoming Governments flexibility in terms of producing MTDP and budget, there is high risk that the MTDP and budget could be based largely on short term political interests and initiatives". The Opposition Leader says "it is easy to focus so much of our attention on the short-term goals and objectives that we overlook the bigger long-term picture. Sadly, this has been the common trend over the years for successive governments. We fail to see beyond our noses".
Mr. Manele then acknowledged ongoing efforts and new reform initiatives taken by the Government towards realizing the vision,
 mission, and objectives of the NDS.

He says, the current reforms to improve governance and ensure accountability including the fight against corruption, enhance national unity, public order and safety are indeed critical for the long term growth and development of our country.

He said, "Such reforms must be implemented effectively.  But much more remains to be done, especially in the strategic allocation of resources in the annual budget for current national projects, and pursuing new and potential sources of economic growth in other provinces within the country".

 Mr. Manele said "The NDS 2016 to 2035 is an opportunity for us to see, think, and work long term".

The Leader of Opposition was speaking during the debate on National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016 - 2035 in Parliament.

 ENDS///

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