13 Aug 2013

Members of Parliament have rejected a motion requesting Parliament to expunge some contents in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report.

Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, who is also MP for Serowe North East Mr Dikgakgamatso Seretse said the information on his ministry should be expunged as the PAC did not follow up laid down rules and regulations and Standing Orders during its proceedings.

The ministry is accused of flouting procurement procedures in its acquisition of office accommodation for rental at the Gaborone Central Business District (CBD).

Debating the motion, the MP for Tati East, Mr Samson Guma argued that the PAC could not ignore irregularities found in government’s accounting books.

He explained that the PAC had asked the accounting officers to give them an executive summary on the challenges of what they do.

MP Moyo who is a member of PAC said the matter on the relocation of the Ministry of Defence, Justice and Security had been a subject of debate within the PAC since 2005.

“During the examination of this particular ministry the accounting officer gave an overview of the ministry’s challenges and what they are doing including moving the office premises,” he said.

He also explained that it was during the time when some MPs asked about progress made as far as the moving challenges were concerned that it was found out that the lease had been signed without the consent of the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (PPADB).

MP for Tati West, Mr Charles Tibone said the issue was properly addressed hence should be included in the report, sentiments shared by MP for Molepolole South, Mr Daniel Kwelagobe.

However, MP for Francistown East, Mr Phandu Skelemani said it was clear that Standing Orders were not followed hence he supported Minister Seretse’s request. Ends