Rédaction Africa Links 24 with babucarr balajo
Published on 2024-03-08 09:38:00
The National Assembly has taken a decisive step by ordering the Inspector General of Police to investigate claims of conflict of interest at the National Water and Electricity Company (Nawec). This follows allegations that a contract worth D1.36 million was awarded to a company owned by a Nawec employee, without following the due procedures.
Chairman of the Assembly’s Public Enterprises Committee, Lamin J Sanneh, presented the committee’s report on the activities and audited financial statements of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) including Nawec for the years 2019 and 2020. Sanneh highlighted the violation of the Constitution and the Public Service Act when contracts are awarded to companies owned by staff, disregarding policies on conflict of interest.
The committee has set a deadline for the Inspector General of Police to investigate the matter and report back to the committee by the end of June 2024. Additionally, Nawec has been urged to review its policy on conflict of interest and ensure that it is signed annually by the board, management, and all staff members.
Nominated lawmaker Kebba Lang Fofana expressed serious concern over the revelations, emphasizing the importance of adhering to in-house policies regarding declaration of interests. He supported the committee’s recommendations for a police investigation into the suspicious activity identified within Nawec.
Furthermore, the committee raised another issue of understatements in Nawec’s revenue, totaling over D100 million between 2019 and 2020. The National Assembly Members (NAMs) instructed the Nawec Board and Management to reconcile these revenue understatements by the end of April 2024. Fofana stressed the significance of revenue in sustaining institutions and called for strict action if Nawec fails to provide evidence of reconciliation.
Fofana emphasized the gravity of the situation, with revenue misstatements amounting to over 400 million. He advocated for a thorough investigation to address the discrepancies and ensure accountability within Nawec. Without accurate revenue reporting, Nawec’s ability to progress and improve its services could be compromised.
In conclusion, the National Assembly’s scrutiny of Nawec’s operations reflects a commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in public institutions. The call for investigations into conflict of interest and revenue understatements underscores the importance of proper governance and adherence to established policies and procedures. As stakeholders in the country’s development, it is crucial to address these concerns promptly and take appropriate action to safeguard the integrity of State-Owned Enterprises like Nawec.
Read the original article on The Standard
