26 Jun 2013

The deputy permanent secretary (DPS) in the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Mosadi Ramotshabi has urged the Francistown City Council (FCC) to strengthen its internal controls.

Speaking during an internal audit workshop on June 25, Ms Ramotshabi said there had been media reports that corporate governance was at its lowest in some areas. “We have seen reports about controversial awards of projects to companies that were deemed not to be capable and competent to deliver the council’s projects”, she said.

Ms Ramotshabi said for the council to be exemplary in good corporate governance, they needed to work with internal auditors to ensure that projects were run within the council’s policies and regulations to avoid misuse of resources and poor quality projects.

The council’s principal internal auditor, Ms Theodorah Ratsie said auditors were faced with challenges of lack of appreciation and knowledge of internal auditor’s role by management and non- implementation of recommendations from auditors by management.

In response, Ms Ramotshabi called upon all participants to always give internal auditors feedback on projects being undertaken. She also advised them to understand the role played by each stakeholder in order to produce good results.

Councillor Shadreck Nyeku of Phillip Matante East said the council faced many challenges including Ipelegeng projects where a lot of money had been used and projects not completed; a sign that there might be misuse of public funds. 

Cllr Nyeku also alleged that FCC generators, which were at supplies offices had disappeared adding that external auditors should be brought in to address the issue. Ends