Council passes decisions on various agendas

Addis Ababa, May 22, 2020 (FBC) –In its 83rd regular session held today, the Council of Ministers discussed and passed decisions on various agendas.

Among the agendas discussed include the draft bill tabled by the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy to amend the existing geothermal resource development proclamation.

The amendment was meant to clearly explain and address issues that are negatively impacting ongoing geothermal development activities in the country.

After a detailed discussion, the Council referred the bill to the House of Peoples’ Representatives for consideration, according to a statement office of the Prime Minister sent to FBC today.

The Council also discussed on a directive tabled by the Ministry of Health to determine an incentive allowance for wealth workers, who are fighting coronavirus at the forefront. After deliberations, the Council decided the directive to take effect.

The Council had also a deliberation on the draft bill approving additional budget for the 2020 fiscal year as well as on the medium-term macroeconomic and fiscal framework.

The additional budget and macroeconomic framework were needed to overcome the economic challenges resulted from COVID-19 pandemic and to cover the spending required to prevent the pandemic from spreading.

After adding some improvements, the Council sent the draft bill to the House of People’s Representative for approval. It also decided the macroeconomic and fiscal framework to go into effect.

Lastly, the Council discussed on the draft bylaw for the implementation of expropriation of land holdings for public purposes, payments of compensation and resettlement proclamation No. 1161-2019.

After an in-depth discussion and with some adjustments, the Council decided the bylaw to be published in the Negarit Gazeta and take effect.