PROVINCIAL and district treasurers attending the provincial treasurers conference in Morobe were urged not to entertain politicians.
The warning came from the Ombudsman Commission (OC) during day one of the conference at Buasi Village, Busamang, outside Lae.
Acting secretary to the commission Allan Barilae gave the warning saying:
“as provincial treasurers you are required to comply with all policies and not toentertain politicians as the OC will not condone such actions.”
He said as custodians, good compliance issues can only be achieved if everyone did his part.
He said countless complaints of non-delivery of goods and services was usually met with the excuse of having no money.
“It is not because there was no money but because money was not managed well.
A lot of issues come about because of non-compliance by public servants,” Mr Barilae said.
He highlighted some examples as non-compliance of recruitment processes, appointments and drawing downof funds outside the Public Finance (Management) Act.
Mr Barilae said from the OC’s experience “politicians always used their powers to get what they wanted “.
“As custodians you must ensure processes are adhered to by all including politicians.”
He said politicians come up with plans outside of the budget that sees money diverted and the people suffering.
“Maintain your personnel integrity, do not give into politicians as you are in no way subject to political directions…you get your directions from the Provincial administrator and Department of Finance,” Mr Barilae said.