National Assembly members are urging the National Treasury to very selectively approve only those projects which can both be fully funded and completed within the agreed timeframes as a measure to stop the import of stalled government development projects.
The MPs held this view during the debate on the Auditor Generals report on the national government’s expenditure where they also identified the recurring public financial management weaknesses as one of their major concerns.
Through resolutions, the legislators warned that projects that are running at a standstill in ministries, departments and agencies are becoming progressively “cash cows” for the embezzlement of public funds. They blamed the accounting officers for the low implementation of accounting standards and stated that poor documentation and the lack of financial controls continue to be the main hindrances to the effective tracking and accountability of public resources.
The lawmakers explained that unfinished and delayed projects result in the deprivation of essential services to the citizens and, at the same time, escalate costs, thereby unnecessarily exposing taxpayers to further financial burdens.
The discussion further revealed the state departments’ sluggishness in providing the necessary financial documents for auditing. The legislators were alarmed that the tardy submission of records discredits the work of the Auditor General and weakens the oversight function of Parliament.
They pointed out that the oversight exercises can only be effective if the Auditor, General is provided with accurate, adequate, and timely information. They also underscored the great need for proper, accurate and timely documentation to facilitate transparent audits and strengthen public confidence in government expenditure.
The MPs now want the National Treasury to tighten project approval processes, align budget allocations with realistic revenue projections and ensure strict compliance with financial reporting requirements to safeguard public funds.
