admin
Farirai Machivenyika Senior Reporter
The Auditor-General’s Office has said it requires at least $135 billion in the 2024 Budget if it is to accomplish its priority areas for the coming financial year.
This is contained in a report presented by acting Auditor-General Mrs Rhea Kujinga during last week’s pre-budget workshop held in Harare.
In her report, Mrs Kujinga said through its 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, the Auditor-General’s Office was focused on strengthening organisational management capacity, human resources development and enhancing communication and stakeholder management.
The plan is also focused on public sector transparency, accountability, public service delivery and quality audits among other targets.
“The successful achievement of the strategic outcomes will enable the office to value to the management of public resources of Zimbabwe.
“The office ideal budget is at least $135 billion to be able to discharge its mandate in 2024,” she said.
The office has, however, been given a budget ceiling of $41,1 billion for the coming year.
Mrs Kujinga said the organisation also needed to fill new units like that of value for money and quality assurance and at the same time reduce staff attrition by offering better salaries and improve working conditions.
The acting Auditor-General added that they needed $2,9 billion for the digitisation of the office that include network upgrade, auditing software and new servers, auditing and procurement portals.
“The AG’s office contribution to the national vision, ‘towards a prosperous and empowered upper-middle income economy society’ can only be realised if it is adequately resourced.
“Adequate funding will enhance the AG’s office independence and effectiveness. It is important that in order to improve the country’s transparency and accountability, strengthening the supreme audit institutions is paramount,” Mrs Kujinga said.
The Auditor-General’ office has been commended for its work in exposing abuse of resources in public entities and local authorities in line with Government’s commitment of eradicating corruption.
Online Reporter