By Loretta B Manele
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will deal with audit reports including the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) audit report during the first quarter of next year.
Mathew Wale, Leader of Opposition and Member of Parliament for Aoke-Langalanga made the statement on Monday in parliament during the motion moved by the prime minister that parliament be specially adjourned for Friday, Nov 15.
Mr Wale told parliament he acceded to PAC’s request that motions be held on until they carry out a detailed inquiry into them before it comes to parliament so that they have the benefit of a more comprehensive picture after the inquiry.
“In fact, they are saying that they will deal with audit reports including the ESP audit report during the first quarter of next year.”
Wale said in any case with regards to Nov 15, he can always lodge another motion on a report that has not been audited so they can be productively employed on Nov 15th when parliament resumes.
Moreover, whilst updating parliament, he said two bills have come and one of them, the Special Economic Zone bills is a very important one that has implications on provincial government functions.
Wale added that the Bills and Legislation Committee (BLC) has resolved to deal with this bill as well in the first quarter of 2025 so as to have a broader inquiry to include provinces.
“So, I think the chairman has written to the Honourable Minister for Commerce for a little funding to go around.
“Just like the Ministry of Education did last year. The ministry of education was able to support the committee to deal with what was then the Education Bill. So, it’s the same kind of arrangement.”
Wale also said the committee is almost done with the Amendment Bill of the SOE Act.
He said there have been some discussions between the committee and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) which he thinks will then go into more discussions with cabinet.
Wale stressed that they should focus on the budget so everyone can be free for the Christmas season.
“Let’s pass it quickly.”
