Lim government spends 7,4% of overall budget
As at April 2016, Limpopo's overall spending amounts to R4.2 billion of the total allocated budget of R56.9 billion
POLOKWANE – This was revealed by the provincial government spokesperson, Phuti Seloba during a press conference today (Thursday).
Seloba said the provincial government monitored its expenditure pattern on a monthly basis.
He said government wanted to account for every cent spent, adding that all the departments should provide root causes for the under and overspending, as well as steps that would be taken to ensure spending remained within the appropriated budget.
“The executive council has also noted efforts by the Limpopo Treasury to ensure all the departments comply with Section 38 (1) (f) of the Public Finance Management Act, which requires that all invoices be paid within 30 days,” he said.
DA Limpopo leader, Jacques Smalle, said provincial departments failed to respond to questions raised by the Standing Committee on Public Account (Scopa) and did not even bother to account.
Smalle said the departments of education, agriculture, treasury and public works had a 0% response to Scopa questions on their performance, and that the health department was the only department to respond to more than 50% of Scopa’s questions.
“Scopa’s role is to exercise oversight over provincial and local government on behalf of the Limpopo Legislature to ensure accountable use of resources and prudent financial management, and to make recommendations to the Legislature.
“The failure to respond to Scopa questions by most departments brings into question its effectiveness. It also serves to show a complete lack of accountability and transparency by the provincial executive.
“We call on the provincial executive to uphold their oath of office and to show concern for the needs of the people, as well as adhere to the Constitution when Scopa hearings start,” said Smalle.
