LEDET grilled for underspending R20,9 million
The MEC, Seaparo Sekoati, told Scopa a very senior official received a final written warning regarding transgressions within the department, in this regard.
POLOKWANE – During its recent Standing Committee of Public Accounts (Scopa) meeting, it was revealed the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (Ledet) had underspent R20,9 million.
Ledet regressed from an unqualified to a qualified audit opinion from the Auditor-General in 2015/16 and 2016/17 due to issues with assets, commitments and accruals.
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The department said there had been a reduction from four to only one issue (assets) on which they were qualified in 2016/17.
Ledet recorded a total of 15 legal claims, amounting to R66 million, against it during the audit process. Some of these claims have been settled or finalised in the meantime. It was also found during the audit that an amount of R20,9 million was underspent by the department.
Of this R20,9 million, R12,6 million had been committed and part of the funds was rolled over. The failure to spend the budget was attributed to delays in infrastructure work due to unfavourable weather conditions, capital goods not yet delivered at the end of the financial year and delayed procurement for infrastructure projects, a new function added to the department’s responsibilities.
Tractors and boats at various nature reserves were not maintained, construction of staff accommodation at Makuya Nature Reserve were not done, stores for linen, cutlery and a gate house were not constructed at Acacia Park Nature Reserve and constructing pickets, upgrading of camping sites, ablution facilities, a laundry facility and a guest house at various other nature reserves were not completed. These failures resulted in loss of revenue as all facilities could not be optimally utilised. Accumulated irregular expenditure amounted to R10,23 million as tender processes were not followed, a matter which has been recurring from 2015/16.
Scopa said steps should be taken against the responsible officials and feedback given to the committee.
