Parliament passes 2018 national budget
Inside the National Parliament. Photo: National Parliament of Solomon Islands
The national Parliament today approved a budget of more than $3.7 billion to appropriate Government services to the end of the 2018 financial year.
More than $2.8 billion is for heads under the recurrent estimates.
The 2018 development estimate is more than $700 million, and the total national budget support this year is $224 million.
The bill passed through the Committee of Supply and third reading without amendments.
After the budget passed, Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela said his ministers would waste no time in carrying out their ministerial programs.
With only eight months until the end of the financial year, Government ministries must race against time to discharge their duties to the nation, he said.
Prime Minister Houenipwela then made a motion for Parliament to adjourn until July 18.
By Leni Dalavera