By JAMES KUNDA –

THE Government has released K4.32 billion to ensure a sustained positive course in the implementation of poverty reduction and job-creation programmes.
Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba said the release of the K4.32 billion was above the target by 16 per cent and part of the resources were channeled towards constitutional and statutory expenditure such as salaries and debt service.
Last month, the Treasury raised K2.75 billion in revenue and grants, while allocations to Ministries, Provinces and other Spending Agencies (MPSA’s) amounted to K4.32 billion.
The difference between revenue and expenditure was bridged through programmed financing and project funding from cooperating partners.
This is according to a statement released yesterday by Ministry of Finance public relations officer Chileshe Kandeta.
Mr Yamba said projected revenue and grants receipts for last month were K2.5 billion, however, an amount of K2.75 billion was received, reflecting an over performance of 10.27 percent on this parameter.
“Total domestic revenues consisting of tax and non-tax revenue amounted to K2.74 billion, of which tax revenues amounted to K2.47 billion while non-tax revenues totaled K274.55 million,” he said.
Mr Yamba said the allocation to the MPSA’s for developmental programmes and grants amounted to K2.52 billion.
The outturn represented an over performance of 34.6 per cent above the target of K1.87 billion.
“Of the total releases to MPSA’s in January 2015, notable expenditure included K146.25 million for the Kafue bulk water supply project, K43 million grants to hospitals, K15.77 million for bursaries, and K100 million for the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).
“In addition, K319 million was released to clear all outstanding payments to eligible farmers for the 2013/2014 harvest,” Mr Yamba said.
He said the Treasury gave the Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) K117.59 million to facilitate the payment of benefits to retired public service workers, while the Ministry of Community Development
Mother and Child Health received K12.5 million for the Social Cash Transfer Programme.
Debt service and amortisation payments totaled K302 million, of which K141.27 million was for internal debt service, K128.89 million external debt service and, K31.89 million for amortisation.
During the month under review, K156.88 million was funded towards the Presidential election.