The National Council has approved several budget votes for the 2026/2027 financial year during today’s session.
Allocations include the Presidency, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, and the National Planning Commission.
The Presidency will receive approximately N$1.2 billion, with the Prime Minister's Office allocated N$535 million.
The Ministry of International Relations and Trade is set to receive about N$1.3 billion, the National Planning Commission N$283 million, and the Anti-Corruption Commission N$109 million.
Despite approving the bill, MPs raised concerns that the Prime Minister’s Office allocation is inadequate, especially given its responsibility for disaster risk management, which requires an insurance mechanism prior to natural disasters.
Andreas Amundjindi, Member of Parliament, said, “Since the Office of the Prime Minister is mandated to deal with natural disasters in the country, I feel that the amount allocated is not enough to address various disasters such as floods, droughts, and veld fires.”
Another MP, Ueutjerevi Ngunaihe, expressed, “To me, the budget is very little. The challenges in our community are many. It is very sad when people come to our offices asking for food, saying, ‘Councillor, I am hungry. For two days, I have not eaten.’ Yet, the Prime Minister's Office, which is supposed to rescue this situation, is given this peanut budget.”
Joseph Sikongo added, “If the budget is to be increased, at least it should flow down to the regions and constituencies. Some problems can be tackled at the constituency level.”
Edward Wambo also said, “For the future, the Prime Minister must consider how to allocate budgets at the constituency level because currently, we do not have a budget.”
MPs further requested increased funding to support the food bank and timely intervention in natural disasters.
Tjimutabo Kuuoko noted, “Our Prime Minister is usually prompt in assistance, but this time things are delayed. I am requesting that he rescue the situation, especially the floods along the Kunene River. We have submitted detailed reports, but after three weeks, nothing has been done. The crops are destroyed.”
Christopher Likuwa added, “I humbly request the Prime Minister’s Office to address the food bank needs and consider increasing the current monthly food support of N$600.”
The National Council will resume discussions on the Appropriation Bill on Monday.