He said that the projected total budgetary resources is Le7.03 trillion from which appropriation is estimated at slightly over Le6.9 trillion for the services of Sierra Leone and for other related matters.

“Subject to parliamentary scrutiny and subsequent approval, the said amount will be granted to the government of Sierra Leone for the 2019 fiscal year that should be applied and expended on the several services set forth in its schedule,” Minister Saffa noted.

The Minister also spoke on the need for strengthening an independent and effective oversight of public sector projects by making provision for the procurement of goods and services. Relating to wages and salaries, he said the Government wage bill is projected to increase to Le 2.40 Trillion from Le 2.07 Trillion in 2017.

He said the increase of Le400 billion to the wage bill will cater for the recruitment of 5000 teachers, 3000 health sector workers and 1000 police officers in 2019.

JJ Saffa also said that the salary of civil servants, teachers, police and military personnel in grades 1 to 6 will increase by ten percent and those in grades 7 to 14 by 5 percent, effective January 2019.

Parliament is expected to examine and debate the 2019 National Budget this week for certain allotted days in the presence of officials from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), before committal for the scrutiny of the various budgetary heads.