Finland Times

Minister of Transport Merja Kyllönen. Photo -Lehtikuva.

The Transport and Communications minister, Merja Kyllönen on Monday said that her ministry would not compromise with roads constructions and renovation works of the deplorable roads despite the government´s policy for saving cost.

 

Pointing out the deplorable conditions of roads and highways in different parts of the country, the minister said that the government should not follow the ‘crazy expenditure cut policy’ in this basic sector.

 

“We will not compromise with the maintenance of the basic roads during the upcoming August budget session in the parliament,” the minister told STT, adding that an understanding should be reached for allocating stimulus package for the basic road construction works avoiding the policy of expenditure cut.

 

Kyllönen, referring to the experts said there is no scope for allocating a budget of less than EUR 100 million in this sector.

 

Photo -Lehtikuva.

She said that the Finance ministry has already prepared a long list of the regional recovery of the target but it is the time to invest money in the infrastructure that already exists.

 

The minister pointed out the sectors of road network, buildings and schools maintenance as the infrastructure development works.

 

 According to the minister, new savings in budget session would be difficult for her and her party (Left Party) as well.

 

“The policy of saving, especially from the very poor is opposite to the political and ideological stands of our party,” said Kyllönen.

 

She, however, said that she would not predict the allocation for road communications sector as every party has different opinion in this regard.

 

Earlier, the coalition government on March 21 announced the budget planning in the parliament for the next fiscal aiming to adjust an amount of EUR 600 million.

 

Although the ruling parties leaders termed the budget as a financial solution and said that it would help boom the job market, the lawmakers of the opposition criticized the budget for cutting expenditure.