Kemo Cham, AfricaNews reporter in Dakar, Senegal
Parliamentarians in Gambia have raised their eye browse over budget cuts which have their travelling allowances seriously affected. They apparently fall victim of a new policy of "no cost for government", introduced by the country's Finance Minister, Abdou Kolley.
A ruling government parliamentarian told a sitting that most often they are confronted with difficulties when they travel on official missions abroad because of the lack of sufficient travel allowances from the government. About $4million was initially allocated to the Parliament, but this has been reduced to $3million.
The members call on the Finance Minister to retain the initial allocation. One of them said that sometimes they feel embarrassed when they meet with their counterparts from other parts of the regions as they often find it difficult to transport themselves from one airport to another when on official assignment.
The Minister, in response to the parliamentarians, said he had keenly listened to their views, but that ‘‘there are policies to follow.’’ He argued that this particular policy is applied to all government employees.
"Once you are invited to attend a meeting and the organisers clearly indicated that they are sponsoring it, then there will be no justification for the government to give you any additional money," he said, stressing that this policy should be followed unless it is changed.
Gambian government officials have been accused of been among the most travelled in Africa, in many cases without genuine reasons, only to accumulate allowances to enrich themselves.
African gays issue ultimatum15:21
US hails Malawi's Commercial Court12:45
Ghana: 'Rainbow' appears in the sky12:15
Kenya: Ministers barred from travelling10:45
W/Africa: UN project boosts farmers’ liv…10:15
Nana Kofi: I photograph what I see08:45
Nigeria: National security boss fired09/03
Ethiopia: PM denies aid was diverted09/03
Ghanaian singer supports children09/03
Malawi bans adverts on private media09/03
AU to end Zimbabwe, Kenya conflicts09/03
Renowned Senegalese film maker dies09/03
UN extols Sierra Leone for relief effort09/03
Somalia: EU arrest 29 pirates08/03
Ghana`s Rawlings: Change lies in dialogue08/03