BY NED GAGAHE
Central Province Premier Michael Salini has called for significant amendments to the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Bill, demanding depoliticized governance and financial safeguards for provincial governments.
Speaking before the Bills and Legislation Committee, Mr Salini proposed that the Cabinet Secretary – rather than politically-appointed officials – should chair the SEZ review panel.
“These are long-term investments needing stable oversight, not short-term political interests,” he said.
The Premier also expressed concerns about potential interference from the Policy Implementation Monitoring Unit.
Salini also strongly opposed diverting provincial fees and rates to SEZ incentives.
“We rely on these revenues to fund essential services,” Salini stated, warning that stripping these income streams would cripple already struggling provincial budgets.
“If these revenues are removed, our financial situation will become dire,” he said.
Salini’s demands highlight growing provincial concerns about maintaining autonomy in national development projects, protecting limited revenue sources and ensuring SEZs benefit rather than burden local communities.
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