Second Supplementary Estimates Tabled in House

The Government on Tuesday (January 8) tabled the Second Supplementary Estimates, which show that the Administration is proposing to spend an additional $11.4 billion for this fiscal year.

The document was tabled by Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke, in the House of Representatives.

The Estimates reveal that the budget has been increased from $791.11 billion to $802.56 billion.

Recurrent (housekeeping) expenses have moved from $572.46 billion to $582.5 billion, for an additional expenditure of $9.65 billion.

In terms of capital (development) spending, this is proposed to be increased by $1.36 billion, moving from $218.64 billion to $220.04 billion.

Of the increase, $1.5 billion will go towards the maintenance of roads and structures. The additional funds are required to facilitate clearing of drains, removal of mudslides, patching and other repairs to roads affected by rain events.

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) received an additional $10.5 million to meet operating expenses, and the Montego Bay Metro Limited received an additional $30.72 million to also meet operating expenses.

Some $710.65 million has been provided in the Estimates for the settlement of amounts owing by ministries, departments and agencies to the National Water Commission (NWC).

Also, $1 billion has been allocated to the National Health Fund (NHF) for the reduction in receivables owed by the Ministry of Health.

In addition, $325 million has been allocated to the Spectrum Management Authority for the repayment from the sale of licences.

Members of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee (PAAC) are to deliberate on the Second Supplementary Estimates on January 10, following which it will be debated in the House for its approval on January 15.