Senate Majority Leader Shenella Govia on Tuesday mounted a broad defence of the 2026 national budget in the Upper House, describing it as a continuation of people-centered growth and pointing to government achievements across infrastructure, housing, education and social development.
Leading the government’s presentation during the first day of Senate debate on the Appropriation Bill, Govia framed the budget around the administration’s theme of “People-Centered Growth and Development,” arguing that economic expansion must translate into tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives.
She outlined government investments in physical infrastructure, including roads, utilities and public facilities, and said continued spending in these areas was necessary to sustain economic momentum while improving national resilience. Govia linked those investments to job creation and long-term productivity, noting that infrastructure development underpins growth across multiple sectors.
The Senate majority leader also highlighted housing initiatives and social programmes, pointing to the government’s focus on expanding access to affordable homes and improving living conditions for families. She said those efforts formed part of a wider strategy to ensure that economic progress was inclusive and broadly shared.
Education and healthcare featured prominently in her presentation, with Govia referencing ongoing investments aimed at strengthening public institutions and improving service delivery. She positioned those expenditures as essential to human capital development and national competitiveness.
Govia further defended the government’s overall economic record, citing improvements across key sectors and arguing that the 2026 budget builds on policies that have already delivered results. She presented the estimates as a continuation of recovery and consolidation rather than a departure from existing policy direction.
Throughout her contribution, Govia underscored the Senate’s role as a reviewing chamber, urging members to assess the budget within the broader context of national development rather than partisan disagreement. Her presentation set the tone for the government’s case in the Upper House as debate continues on spending priorities and fiscal policy for the upcoming year.
The Senate is expected to hear further contributions from both government and opposition members as consideration of the 2026 budget proceeds.
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