By JAMES KUNDA –
GOVERNMENT has called for increased citizen participation in the formulation of the National Budget which is designed to promote the greater well-being of the people.
Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba said all citizens should actively participate in the formulation of the Budget and the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) which are both intended for citizen ownership.

. Yamba

Mr Yamba said this yesterday as he announced the commencement of preparations for the 2016 National Budget and the 2016-2018 MTEF by the Ministry of Finance.
He said the idea was to facilitate broader consultations and provide a platform for members for the public to submit proposals for tax and non-tax revenue measures in next year’s Budget.
Mr Yamba said tax and non-tax policies form the basis on which revenue projections for the Budget were formulated before Government compiles expenditure proposals.
“The Ministry is steadfast in its resolve to ensure citizen ownership of the 2016 National Budget, in this regard, all interested parties, especially those representing interest groups are encouraged to ensure that internal peer consultations with the people and institutions they represent are conducted,” he said.
This is according to a statement released yesterday by Ministry of Finance public relations officer Chileshe Kandeta.
Mr Yamba stressed that the budgeting process was non-partisan but pragmatic to consolidate policies, broaden employment opportunities and reinforce Zambia’s attractiveness as a preferred destination for long-term investment.
The Budget consultation period will close on July, 31 this year.