By: Fatou Krubally
Members of the National Assembly on Wednesday disagreed over a proposed D5 million consultancy allocation in the Assembly’s 2027 budget estimates, with the Member for Wuli East Hon Suwaibou Touray calling for a reduction while other lawmakers defended the provision as necessary to address office accommodation needs.
The disagreement arose during the Committee of Supply’s consideration of the 2027 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, as lawmakers examined proposed amendments to allocations for the National Assembly and other public institutions.
The Member for Wuli East questioned the consultancy allocation under budget line 2217101, arguing that the proposed D5 million was an increase from the D2 million allocated in 2026 without sufficient justification.
He proposed reducing the allocation to D3 million, saying the amount would still be higher than the previous year’s provision.
However, other lawmakers defended the proposed allocation, explaining that the consultancy provision was linked to plans to create office space for parliamentarians and staff.
The majority leader and member for kantora Hon. Billay G. Tunkara said the assembly had been exploring support from friendly countries and other institutions to address its accommodation needs but considered it necessary to begin making provision for the project within its own budget.
He added that the amount initially requested by the Clerk’s Office had been higher but was reduced in an effort to avoid unnecessarily increasing the assembly’s budget.
He further argued that an earlier allocation might not reflect the actual cost of a project once its requirements became clearer.
The Member for Central Badibou Hon Sulayman Saho also questioned the proposed increase, citing allocations of D1.9 million in 2025 and D2 million in 2026 before the proposed D5 million provision. He asked for further justification for the increase.
Meanwhile, the Member for Sabach Sanjal Hon. Alhagie Babou Ceesay argued that an explanation had already been provided for the allocation and called for the assembly to proceed with its business.
The debate became heated, prompting Speaker of the National Assembly Fabakary Tombong Jatta to urge lawmakers to respect differing opinions and allow members to express their views.
He reminded them that members could disagree but should be prepared to consider opposing arguments.
The proposed amendment was subsequently put to a vote. The result announced in the chamber was 21 votes in favour, three against and no abstentions. The motion that Head 02, National Assembly, stand part of the estimates as amended was therefore carried.
Lawmakers then proceeded to consider amendments to the Judiciary’s estimates, including proposed reductions in allocations for travel, telecommunications, utilities, rents, fuel and medical supplies.
During the discussion, members also questioned the classification of funds for judicial gowns under the budget line for drugs, dressings and medical supplies. An explanation was given that the budget description was incorrect and that the matter had been raised with the Ministry of Finance.
The deliberations formed part of the assembly’s examination of the proposed 2027 expenditure, with the Committee of Supply scheduled to continue considering the estimates on Thursday, October 15.