Gabon Senate questions 2027 budget for public works
Public works funding drops 29% while water, energy, and oil budgets face scrutiny.
Gabon's Senate Finance Committee questioned ministers on Tuesday, November 10, about the 2027 budget, focusing on public works, water, energy, and oil sectors. The Minister of Public Works requested 268.27 billion CFA francs for infrastructure, a 29% decrease from 2026's 379.15 billion CFA francs. Senators raised concerns about the execution of announced projects and the delivery timelines for infrastructure works.
Ministers for Water and Energy, and Petroleum defended their 2027 budget proposals before the Senate commission. The Water and Energy ministry seeks 154.79 billion CFA francs, an increase from 129.76 billion CFA francs previously. The Petroleum sector's budget is set to decrease by over 13 billion CFA francs to 20.02 billion CFA francs, impacting plans for digitizing oil data and awarding new permits.
Senators also questioned the ministers on job localization, access to essential services like water and electricity nationwide, and corporate social responsibility in oil-producing areas. The government's infrastructure and energy ambitions must now contend with budget constraints and public demands for essential services.