11 Feb 2013

Parliament has been told that funds which were earmarked for the e-government project were transferred by a letter of authority to the Directorate of Intelligency and Security Services.

Answering a question in Parliament, the Minister of Transport and Communications Mr Nonofo Molefhi said P30 000.000 was transferred on April 20, 2012 while P12 515.330 was transferred on October 17, 2012.

He explained that the Ministry of Transport and Communications provided a centralised budget for e-Government and for cases where a particular project was implemented by another ministry, his ministry transferred the funds as would have been provided for.

He said in this instance, the e-Government budget for 2012/13 had the security component in it.

Mr Molefhi further stated that the funds were utilised for the development of Government Information Technology (IT) security which was critical to protect government systems from intrusions and any other external threats.

He said in this case, it was used for the deployment of an encryption system for government.  He explained that the IT projects that were being carried out, some of which were still ongoing, were classified and security sensitive, and therefore government could not reveal the detailed breakdown.

The minister also stated that once the funds were transferred to the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services, they had the ultimate responsibility for accountability through the appropriate structures.

Mr Molefhi said the transfers were authorised by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Communications who is the Accounting Officer and warrant holder for the said budget item.

Gaborone Central MP Dumelang Saleshando had asked the Minister if any funds which were budgeted for the e-Government project were transferred to the Directorate of Intelligence and Security Services; and if so, the minister should state the amount transferred for each year, the purpose for which the funds were utilised, how the funds were accounted for and how such transfers were authorised. ENDS