05 Mar 2019

Director operations in the Ministry of Basic Education has the power to re-direct funds as a sub-warrant holder, Parliament has been told.

Answering a question in parliament on March 4, Minister of Basic Education, Mr Bagalatia Arone said the move would affect schools’ procurement plans.

Member of Parliament for Boteti East, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe asked the minister whether it was true that the Central Region director had the powers to redirect funds allocated to Letlhakane Senior Secondary School votes without consulting management and if so, he should state if he was aware that it affected procurement plans in the school.

Mr Lelatisitswe also wanted to know instances where the director re-directed funds and which departments were affected at the school; wanting to know also if it had a bearing on relations between the social management and the director.

He further wanted to know which financial instrument or instruction guided the director in redirecting funds and when funds that were redirected would be replaced.

He said he was not aware of any instance when the director has redirected any funds for which departments were affected at the school without prior consultation.

“Since the director has not redirected any funds I cannot see how this would have a bearing on their relationship,” he said.

He said the director along with all officers, was governed by the financial procedures when directing funds.

Minister Arone further said the only funds that had been redirected by his ministry were those for maintenance and would not be replaced as a contractor was on site to do the works. ENDS