Kigali — Lawmakers on Monday passed the 2008 government spending plan with an increase of about $2.9million (Rwf 15.626.168.072) from what Finance Ministry had envisaged, RNA reports.

The 2008 budget total now shoots up from Rwf 607.599.359.135 to Rwf 623.225.527.207 ($1.2billion). Finance Minister Mr. James Minister told lawmakers on October 15 that 2008 spending would go up by 15% from the previous year, but now parliament has added on another 3% - making an 18 percent raise.

When Mr. Musoni presented his spending plan, Lawmakers expressed concern that vital aspects rural development had been left out. Parliament was also concerned that programs meant to oversee government expenditure had be sidelined. Parliament also called for focused programs aimed at controling the rocking population.

Members of the house also want tangible results from the energy sector need to be visible within the next three years. They said Rwanda should look for possible ways to exploit methane gas deposits in Lake Kivu and put emphasis on hydro power production. In the long run this should lessen the need to burn diesel in generators for power which is very expensive in the country.

Donors will fund up to 54% of the total budget. There contribution however, remains high despite rising revenue into government coffers from internal collections.