PAC recommends surcharge for N/West PS

Mr By MUKOSELA KASALWE THE Public Accounts Committee has recommended that North-Western Province Permanent Secretary Ephraim Mateyo be surcharged for the misapplication of K1, 288,933 meant for activities under Community Development to unrelated activities such as workshops.

Mr Mateyo admitted that he did not seek approval of the Secretary to the Treasury to use the funds meant for activities under Community Development, Forestry and Social Welfare Departments to unrelated activities such as tour visits to Mwinilunga and Ikelenge and attending a budget workshop.

The Permanent Secretary, who is former Inspector General of Police said there was an omission as there was need to seek approval for the diversion of funds from the Secretary to the Treasury as demanded by the financial regulations and guidelines.

Public Accounts Committee chairperson Howard Kunda, who is MMD Muchinga Member of Parliament said it was depressing and sad that the province had appeared before the committee for the misapplication of funds even this year.

Mr Kunda yesterday said the committee had laboured to give counsel and made the necessary recommendations last year but that it seemed the advice was not taken and it was left with no option but to recommend for surcharging which he said was in line with the Financial Act Section 30.

And the PAC has advised Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Buleti Nsemukila to follow laid down procurement procedures if he is to avoid appearing before the same committee next year.

The committee generally commended the Luapula Provincial administration for having few queries raised in the Auditor General’s report.

Mr Kunda urged Dr Nsemukila to ensure that all procurement procedures were followed if he was to avoid appearing before the committee next year.