Nali reveals project funding puzzle

Members of Parliament and public servants have been warned to stop using the provincial government’s tender and procurement process to get funds for projects appropriated in the national budget.
Minister for Works Michael Nali said some MPs and bureaucrats bypassed the Works Department to procure road projects and used the provincial tender and procurement process when projects were appropriated through the budget.
He said the practice was one of the main reasons why MPs continued to blame Works and raised concerns that funds had been diverted or had gone missing.
He said the provincial government worked on its own commitments through the provincial tenders and supply board and procured projects, and that had nothing to do with Works who were often blamed for diversion of funds.
Nali said the provincial government crossing over to take over
the work of Works had led to confusion.
Nali said funds appropriated through the normal budgetary allocations were funded and guided by law and not even the Minister for Works or the secretary for Works in any circumstances can transfer or divert funds to another project.
“There are some issues that needs to be corrected,” he said.
“I want to inform you all members of this Parliament that when you see money being appropriated in the budget, do not go out there and try to muscle your way through to get the funds by using the provincial
tender and supply board by procuring them outside the normal process.
“There are systems and processes to follow so let’s do it properly. We have to do things right”
Nali said he did not have the power to divert any money, including the Karamui-Nomane road project money which MP Geoffrey Kama alleged had been diverted.
He asked Kama to meet see him to discuss the money and see where it is.