Auditor-General needs teeth to bite
A 2019 report published this month shows that Auditor-General Mildred Chiri has been doing fantastic work in trying to rein in those who abuse resources in government departments and Stateowned enterprises. Every year, she comes up with audit reports and well-thought-out recommendations, unfortunately no action is taken against those identified as culprits.
It is high time the Auditor-General was empowered by law to recommend the suspension or dismissal of public officers who fail to implement the remedial action she would have recommended in her audit reports.
Failure to take appropriate action against the culprits exacerbates the situation, resulting in corruption across government departments.
Public finances are a finite resource that should be spent prudently in an environment that en
genders accountability, ensuring they are catering for all citizens instead of being a preserve for the elite. Public servants are entrusted with the management of public resources for the benefit of the generality of the population, hence they should not do anything that prejudices any section of society. Thus the work of the Auditor-General
is critical in making sure such resources are used for the benefit of the nation.
The work culture in the civil service should change and public servants should take their offices seriously. Some tough action needs to be taken even if it means some heads have to roll. Taona Sango