Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) has identified D1.146 billion in proposed budget savings and D482.36 million in additional funding requests as the National Assembly debates the 2027 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure.
The consolidated report was tabled on Monday by FPAC Chairman Alhagie S. Darboe on behalf of the committee, following scrutiny by parliamentary committees of the government’s proposed revenue and expenditure for the coming year.
According to the report’s summary schedule, the committee identified proposed savings totalling D1,146,487,557, while ministries, departments, and agencies requested an additional D482,364,001 to fund various priorities.
The figures are recommendations for consideration during the budget process. They do not mean the proposed savings have already been realized or that the additional funding has been approved.
The committees held budget engagements from October 1 to 7, examining allocations, program performance, and challenges facing public institutions.
Transport and education dominate funding requests
Among the largest requests is D243.28 million for the Ministry of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, including funding for road maintenance, roads and bridges, government residential quarters in Mansakonko, and land compensation.
The report, however, contains a D1,000 discrepancy between the amount stated in the detailed section and the figure reflected in the summary schedule.
The education committee recommends D99 million in additional funding for basic and secondary education, including D80 million to increase school feeding support from D8 to D20 per child.
It also proposes D30.24 million for higher education priorities, including a generator for the University of Science, Engineering, and Technology and additional funding for scholarships.
Health and social program
Other recommendations include the allocation of D25 million from proposed FPAC savings to support the purchase of ambulances and personnel costs at two hospitals.
The report also proposes D10 million for social welfare activities and D15 million for the One Family-One Cow Project.
For the technology sector, FPAC recommends D18.35 million for ICT infrastructure and the operating costs of the Gambia Information and Communication Technology Agency.
The committee also calls for action to address the deteriorating condition of the Banjul jetty and recommends the development of a major fishing port and associated landing sites.
FPAC raises concerns over budget execution
Beyond sector-specific funding requests, FPAC raises concerns about delays in releasing approved funds, unclear performance targets, and weaknesses in accountability.
It calls for quarterly budget execution reports, stronger domestic revenue mobilization, and improved oversight of donor-funded projects.
The committee also highlights rising debt-servicing costs, which are projected to increase from D13.46 billion in 2026 to D16.17 billion in 2027.
The proposed budget, presented under the theme “Deepening Economic Resilience While Enhancing Fiscal Sustainability,” projects revenue and grants of D56.93 billion and expenditure of D66.7 billion under all funds, excluding net lending.
Members of the National Assembly are now debating the estimates and the committees’ recommendations as part of the process leading to consideration and approval of the 2027 national budget.
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