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By HARLYNE JOKU
NCD Governor Powes Parkop yesterday suspended and charged four senior
managers for alleged abuse, funds misuse and fraud.
The alleged anomalies against the city government were committed between
January and August this year, Mr Parkop said.
The governor said he would terminate the services of the manager for
social services for failing in his job.
In a statement yesterday, Mr Parkop said prior to his swearing-in and
assumption of office last Aug 21, he had requested among other things
the commission’s financial report for the said period.
“It had become obvious to me that there was massive abuse of the
commission’s during that period,” Mr Parkop said.
He further said the financial status and dealings of the commission had
not been secret and that he was advised by many people to terminate all
his managers.
But Mr Parkop said that he had refused to do so to give them opportunity
to explain the figures in the financial statement.
“This was to ensure that whatever decision I make, it was directed at
arresting the problem instead of undertaking a massive termination and
replacement which may not solve the problem of abuse and misuse of funds
in the first place,” he added.
Mr Parkop said he had the benefit of being briefed by the executive
management and division heads as to their performances and it was
obvious from their reports and explanation that:
*Between January and August 2007 the
commission did not stick to the budget estimates for the said period.
Fund withdrawals were based on commitments made by division heads and
the former governor (Wari Vele) and not on budget allocation or margins;
*There was no financial control during the
period;
*There was no proper audit or pre-audit
undertaken on many commitments prior to payment. Hence, a lot of
spending and payments were made although they were unbudgeted, thus
exceeding financial powers of particular officers. In many instances,
the claims were bogus or fraudulent in nature.
Mr Parkop said he had taken steps to deal with those responsible and
reorganised the executive management and staff to ensure that management
abuse and fraud targeting city government funds were not repeated.
 
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