Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson on finance Ralph Jooma has described the proposed 2022-2023 budget as unrealistic.

Responding to the budget in Parliament, Jooma said government’s tendency of continued borrowing is a worrying trend that Malawians should be concerned.

Jooma has also faulted the Tonse-led administration for failing to implement various developmental projects that were highlighted during last year’s budget.

“We are saying that we have to divorce the true substance of the budget from the budget, the budget statement was very good but looking into budget documents nothing is corresponding.”

“Only 35 percent of the total development budget has been implemented so when you go out there – there is nothing happening about implementing projects, but the money was allocated,” Jooma said.

Concurring with Jooma, United Democratic Front (UDF) spokesperson on finance Ned Poya has asked government to seriously consider contents of a Pastoral Letter recently released by Catholic Bishops.

He said: “If you look at the issues raised in the pastoral letter, a clever and good government can listen, without listening it will be hard for them.

Because the issues raised, partially they have something to do with the development, decision and decisiveness.”

Meanwhile, the Budget and Finance Committee of the House has asked government to address challenges that State grain marketer Admarc is currently facing.

“Your Committee, Madam Speaker, calls for immediate intervention to resurrect the sleeping giant that is Admarc,” said Gladys Ganda, the Committee’s chairperson.

“We implore all the concerned stakeholders to work together in addressing inherent inefficiencies and bottlenecks to the work of Admarc.”