Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE Auditor-General has revealed shocking financial mismanagement at the Parliament of Zimbabwe, highlighting unauthorised fuel allocations, payment arrears and undelivered vehicles.
According to the latest AG report tabled in Parliament last week, fuel allocation to management and staff exceeded authorised limits by 32%, with some officials receiving up to 1 440 litres of fuel per month.
“An examination of the monthly fuel allocation schedule availed for audit revealed that levels from executive assistants to the Speaker of Parliament were getting allocations from 460 litres to 1 440 litres of fuel, respectively. The fuel allocation was 32% above the authorised quantity,” the AG report read.
The report said there was no evidence of Treasury concurrence or approval of the Committee of Standing Rules and Orders for the increased allocation.
“Treasury concurrence or resolution from the Committee of Standing Rules and Orders for the differential allocation of fuel to management and staff over and above the authorised limit was not obtained.
“Unauthorised fuel may be allocated to management and staff. Management should avail for an audit the Treasury concurrence or the CSRO resolution for the increase in fuel allocation,” the report read.
In response, Parliament cited the Constitution of Zimbabwe, particularly section 117, which gives CSRO the mandate to set terms for the staff of Parliament. In that regard, clearance for additional allocation to cater for the increased mileage to the new Parliament building was approved by the CSRO.
The report also revealed that Parliament had accumulated payment arrears amounting to US$211 million, with some dating back to 2022.
“Audit noted that concessional loans with a total amount of ZWL$2 023 118 448 were issued during the year under review. However, there was no evidence that the loans were repaid.
“Documentary reviews of loan agreement forms revealed that the loan repayment period and instalment sections were left blank. As a result, I could not ascertain the duration and repayment amounts of the loans,” AG said.
The report expressed concern over the accuracy of the payment arrears balance, as Parliament did not maintain ledgers for creditors during the year under review.
It further highlighted issues with asset management, including three Toyota Hilux vehicles procured in March 2023 that had not been delivered by May 2024.
A 60-seater bus and two 30-seater buses procured in March 2022 were also yet to be delivered.
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