Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba. (Office of the President).

The Speaker of the National Legislature Wednesday postponed until further notice the third reading and anticipated passing of the 2023-2024 national budget.

This is the second time August has postponed the third and final readings of the two-point two trillion-pound budget.

On Monday, parliamentarians adjourned the session with the view to give the new Minister of Finance and Planning the chance to study through the budget before any approval.

However, the lawmakers today morning gathered at the Freedom Hall in Juba in anticipation to finalize the draft budget.

The atmosphere, as observed by Eye Radio reporter, was filled with excitement when the Speaker of the National Legislature, Jemma Nunu Kumba, surprisingly announced the sitting was adjourned, citing the circumstances were beyond her control.

“Honorable members of the August, I would like to start by apologizing to all of you for keeping you waiting from 10:00 AM up to this time noon. This was not intentional but is due to circumstances beyond my control,” Nunu told parliament.

“We are here for the third reading of the national budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024. However, due to some other consultations that are required regarding this budget stage, we will not be able to process the sitting today.”

“New date for the sitting will be communicated to you accordingly. Having said this and without more, I would like to declare the sitting adjourned for maybe tomorrow or another time.”

The news of the adjournment quickly spread like wildfire, stirring disappointment and frustration among the legislators.

Despite the setback, parliamentarians were determined to find a solution and craft a budget that addressed the nation’s pressing needs.

The Speaker of Parliament did not set a date for the third reading of the national for the fiscal year 2023-2024.