11 May 2016

Chairperson of Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Mr Abram Kesupile has described non-examination of public accounts by some ministries as “a perennial irritant.”

Addressing accounting officers in Gaborone on May 11, he said it was clear that some ministries did not reconcile their books in time when issues were still new and evidence could still be found.

“There is a recurrence of requests for writes-off and abandonment of huge amounts,” he said. 

Mr Kesupile further stated that there was lack of timely investigation of issues that resulted in government losing a lot of revenue as well as some recurring issues such as timely remittance of income tax to BURS and increasing amount due to salary over payments.

He said PAC had observed insufficient explanation to queries raised by the auditor general and that submission guidelines were not strictly adhered to.

“If strictly followed, issues will be addressed as required and there will be specific and conforming to the format presentation that will save us a lot of time,”

Mr Kesupile said the workshop was important because it gave the PAC and accounting officers an opportunity to share notes on conduct, mannerisms on the way they examine and interact.

Clerk of National Assembly, Ms Barbara Dithapo said it was imperative to share ideas, provide feedback and share experiences.

Director of Directorate of Public Service Management, Ms Ruth Maphorisa said the concerns were duly noted and genuine, but said it was unfortunate that at times the PAC was unfair to accounting officers that had just resumed office and not duly acquainted themselves with a new office. ENDS