PAC blasts departments over excuses

 THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) says it will not accept excuses by government departments and statutory bodies 

if their officers do not perform their duties. 

PAC chairman John Hickey told officers of the Finance and Lands departments yesterday that more time had been given to them to provide reports and statements to the committee. 

“I will assess your information and considering referals. 

“I have seen the department many times before and nothing seems to be done seriously. 

“If information unsatisfactory, I will refer secretary and officers to the relevant authorities,” Hickey said during the inquiry into the Lands Department yesterday. 

He said the department had been frequenting the inquiry over the years and has been giving the same reasons without showing any major progress. 

Hickey said their primary responsibility was service delivery. 

He was referring to the procurement and payment exercises, statutory reporting and asset registers of the Lands Department which PAC found to be lacking proper files and reports. 

PAC member and Northern Governor Gary Juffa added that laws and regulations existed and public servants should adhere to them. 

The committee however praised Lands Secretary Romily Kila Pat for various reports he had completed since he took office in February this year.