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Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
Government should convene a meeting with potential donors willing to assist the country in funding various programmes so that their contributions could be factored in the National Budget.

This was said by the chairperson of the Budget and Finance Committee, Cde David Chapfika, while contributing to the debate on the 2015 National Budget presented by Finance and Economic Development Minister Patrick Chinamasa last month.

“The committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance convenes a meeting of all potential donors and discuss what their intentions are for possible incorporation into the budget,” he said.

Following the thawing of relations with the European Union, a number of donors have indicated their willingness to assist Government in funding programmes to turn around the economy.

Cde Chapfika said the committee had noted the challenges facing the economy and the difficulties Minister Chinamasa went through in crafting the Budget, but commended him for his efforts.

“The proposed budget clearly illustrates the challenges facing Government in light of competing interests facing the nation,” he said.

The committee also received evidence from various organisations that include the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, the Bankers Association of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Chamber of Mines and all expressed satisfaction in the Budget.

“The CZI acknowledged that the minister consulted the sector and adopted most of their recommendations,” he said.

“They recommended that Government should manage the wage bill downwards because a situation where 82 percent of the budget goes to wages is not prudent and sustainable.

“Government should also amend labour laws as they are not in sync with the current economic environment as it has become more difficult to retrench even when most companies are under performing.”

The committee also recommended that a thorough audit of staff in all ministries and Government departments and pensioners had to be carried out to verify the numbers so that leakages are minimised.

Cde Chapfika also said the committee was concerned with the failure by fuel dealers to reduce the price of the commodity locally despite a fall in international prices.

Debate on the Budget continues today with portfolio committees presenting reports following their deliberations with line ministries last week.

However, the ministries have complained of inadequate funding they said will affect their ability to successfully implement Government policies.