In a shocking display of accountability evasion, Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga has once again failed to show up to a Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing. This time, he’s dodging questions about the gross mismanagement of $400 million in public funds, as revealed in the Auditor General’s report. The report highlighted that the Finance Ministry flouted standard Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) procedures and made payments directly to suppliers, bypassing line ministries and agencies.
Guvamatanga’s absence has become a recurring theme, prompting PAC to issue a stern warning: show up on May 23rd or face a summons. The committee wants answers about payments made to several companies, including some linked to controversial figures such as Wicknell Chivayo. The payments in question include those made to Fertilisers Seed Grain (FSG), Ziminya Dam Construction, Ventures Borehole & Exploration, Nyika Kanengoni, Semwa Dam, Makomo Engineering, and RenForm CC.
Minister Mthuli Ncube is also expected to attend the hearing to address policy issues related to the mismanagement of public funds. Additionally, the Finance Ministry needs to explain its failure to submit treasury minutes to Parliament, a requirement that ensures transparency and accountability in government financial dealings. The ministry’s failure to comply with this requirement has raised concerns about its commitment to good governance and transparency.
PAC Chairperson Charlton Hwende has given Guvamatanga a final chance to appear on May 23rd. If he doesn’t show up, a summons will be issued immediately. It’s time for the Finance Ministry to take responsibility for its actions and provide transparency on its handling of public funds. The public is eagerly waiting to see if the ministry will finally be held accountable for its actions.
The Finance Ministry’s failure to account for the mismanagement of public funds has significant implications for governance in the country. It raises questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms and the commitment of government officials to transparency and accountability. The outcome of the PAC hearing will be crucial in determining the future of governance in the country.
source-theobserverzim
