Busia Assembly Speaker Bernard Wamalwa and Clerk Allan Mabuka leave the assembly after the adoption of the Busia County Supplementary budget for 2017/2017 on Wednesday. [Photo/Busia County Government]
Busia County Assembly on Wednesday passed the Sh7.4 billion Supplementary Budget estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the 2017/2018 Financial Year after a two-hour debate.
The report that was tabled by the Budget Committee chairman John Obwogo was unanimously passed by the members after speaker Bernard Wamalwa put the question to them.
Members who gave a nod on the report while making their contributions included Leader of Majority Laban Mukhwana, Azida Ali, Florence Awino (nominated), Linus Asiba (Matayos South), Vincent Ojiambo (Bukhayo West), Moses Ouma (Amukura Central), Casper Juma (Bunyala South), Abiud Ochilangole (Amukura West), Fredrick Musirimba (Bunyala North), Okodoi Maskini (Chakol South)
MCAs who opposed the report included Minority Leader Felix Omanyi, Mwajuma Toloyi (Nambale Township), Gardy Jakaa (Bukhayo North/Walatsi) and Bernard Odako (Nominated).
The Speaker mandated the Leader of Majority and budget committee chairman to include issues raised by members during the debate as an annex to the report for consideration by the Executive in the subsequent supplementary budgets.
Casper Juma thanked Obwogo committee for capturing good things. The committee included David Kokonya (vice chair) and Vincent Oumbe, Eunice Nyongesa, Julius Ochou, Julius Etyang', Bartholomew Were, Margaret Awino and Grace Olita as members.
Linus Asiba suggested the Executive to include in future budgets allocation for construction of factories to create jobs for the youths in the country.
Azida Ali said the Executive had not paid her and other CECs who resigned from the County Government their gratuity, adding that the County Government should include residents in the budget-making process.
Bernard Odako said Sh280 million meant for car loan and mortgage to members was not a priority. Vincent Ojiambo opposed the move saying he is tied in commuting using a bicycle and motorcycle. Felix Omanyi said owning a car is a right, not privilege.
The members will go on recess after Thursday's session. The speaker said the members will go on retreat on December 18-22 to discuss in-house issues.MCAs John Obwogo, Florence Owuor and Grace Olita leave the assembly on Wednesday after the adoption of the Busia County Supplementary budget for 2017/2017 on Wednesday.