The Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) has recommended D80 million to increase school feeding allowances from D8 to D20 per child under the proposed 2027 budget, as questions remain over whether the increase will be enough to provide nutritious meals and improve services for schoolchildren.
The recommendation is contained in a consolidated report presented to the National Assembly by FPAC Chairperson Alhagie S. Darboe. It forms part of D99 million in additional funding proposed for the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education.
Although the increase would raise the amount allocated per child, the report does not establish whether D20 will be sufficient to provide an adequate meal amid food costs and other programme expenses.
The committee has also recommended D12 million for science laboratories, technical workshops and water points in schools. Another D7 million is proposed for a generator and an operational vehicle for the National Library Service, which the report describes as being in a dilapidated condition.
In healthcare, FPAC recommends D25 million from its proposed savings to support ambulance purchases and personnel costs at Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital and Kanifing General Hospital. However, the report does not specify how many ambulances could be purchased or how much of the funding would address staffing needs.
A further D10 million is proposed for vulnerable children, survivors of gender-based violence and other social welfare activities.
The committee also recommends transferring D200,000 from the Disability and Rehabilitation budget line to the Welfare of Gambians Programme, leaving D4 million for disability and rehabilitation.
The report highlights wider concerns about budget implementation, including delays in releasing approved funds and unclear programme targets. It recommends quarterly budget execution reports and stronger accountability for public spending.
The proposed allocations remain recommendations as lawmakers debate the 2027 estimates. Their inclusion in the report does not guarantee approval or improved services.