Different government ministries have been called to shed several millions in their recurrent budgets estimates to reduce the impact of economic recession that has affected the globe, including Lesotho.

As part of efforts to avoid over spending, the Cabinet Budget Sub-Committee has instructed that the 2009/10 estimates for recurrent expenditure be revised to the ceilings set in the Circular issued.

In the circular signed by Mr. Mosito Khethisa, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, ministries have been instructed to reduce recurrent budgets on salaries to remove funding for all new unauthorised and unapproved new positions.

The ministries are also expected to cut off international travel costs, while subsistence allowances are to be reduced to 2008/09 levels, reduce special expenditures like furniture, while also eliminating workshops and short term training courses held at hotels.

On the other hand, ministries are also expected to reduce items at their own discretions and to prioritise.

The Cabinet Budget Sub-Committee has also instructed that these reductions to the estimates for 2009/10 be made immediately.

'The outcome of this exercise will be a Revised Budget for 2009/10 that is more affordable for Lesotho given the current economic developments internationally', it added.

Approached for comment, the Communications, Science and Technology Financial Controller, Mr. Maritz Tyali said his ministry has already cut off over M10 million following the directive.

However, he said it was not easy, particularly in the international travel category, where the ministry has to provide news coverage for His Majesty the King and Prime Minister during intentional trips.

He pointed out that some of the trips are not known ahead of time and that it will be difficult to work under such conditions.

The circular was written for all Principal Secretaries as Chief Accounting Officers, Office of the Ombudsman, Public Service Commission and the Independent Electoral Commission.

Source: LENA 01/07/2009