Managing public funds should be a collective responsibility

As we ready ourselves for the 2010-11 fiscal year, starting July 1, the Finance and Economic Planning Minister, has called upon accounting officers in government to avoid any irregularities, as they spend taxpayers’ money. He could not have made the call at a better time, given the fact that for accounting officers like other officials who hold public responsibility, it is imperative that government projects and funds are effectively and efficiently implemented. In previous reports compiled by the Office of the Auditor General, it was discovered that billions of francs had been lost owing to what has been referred to as “lack of capacity”, something the government has worked hard, over the years, to address. Like the minister said, people do not have to be experts in accounts to manage public finances or projects. What they need is the commitment and determination to ensure that the money is invested in ventures that are beneficial to the general public. Additionally, the general public too should have interest in the way the national budget and other public projects are implemented. Since they are the principle stakeholders, it is in their own interest to closely monitor and evaluate such initiatives. With a guaranteed collective effort, there is no doubt that public funds will be appropriately spent and the country will realize its development vision. Ends

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Managing public funds should be a collective responsibility