27 Jun 2013

Francistown City Council (FCC) Mayor, councillor James Kgalajwe has expressed concern about issues that were addressed at a workshop for FCC Internal audit.

This comes after the FCC internal auditors opened up to challenges they face when they do their work on a daily basis.

Some of the auditors noted that there is unavailability of information during audit engagements and non-compliance with policies and procedures from management.

Cllr Kgalajwe said although the issues were once addressed in an FCC meeting five years ago they still come up on audit reports.

He called upon the council to address the issues of risk register and risk chatter off, which they ought to have in order to help reinforce auditing.

He warned that when the management compromises the internal audit, they would be exposed to corrupt practices. He urged the audit committee to stand up and do their work with loyalty, adding that they should report to the council about the progress of auditing at all times.

“We should compete with other councils for good governance, the council must stand up and shine,” said cllr Kgalajwe.

The mayor also appealed to the council to go and work hard to minimise corruption as he believes that from the workshop they are going to change for the better.

Meanwhile, Criminal Investigation Department officer in-charge at central police station in Francistown Mr Keoagile Olebile ordered the council to take audit seriously so that police investigations can be easy.

“I appeal to you to give us receipt books to help with investigations,” he said.

Mr Olebile also urged the council to report incidents of corruption as soon as possible as late reports kill investigations. He also advised them to avoid bribery at all times. ENDS