Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporter
PARLIAMENT has commended the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration for enhancing its financial management systems and diligently implementing key audit recommendations, marking a pivotal step towards transparency in the management of the country’s road funds.
The commendation came after the National Assembly adopted the Public Accounts Committee report on Zinara’s audited financial statements for 2023. Zinara has already been declared the top parastatal when it comes to clean accounts.
Presenting the motion in the House, PAC chairperson Mr Charlton Hwende praised Zinara for its corrective measures to address past irregularities and for strengthening its internal control systems.
This follows a major restructuring drive by Zinara to improve governance, operational efficiency, and financial management.
These efforts have yielded tangible results, with the administration posting clean financial audits for two consecutive years. In recognition of this transformation, Zinara was recently named the best-performing parastatal for 2024.
“Parliament’s oversight work has been instrumental in transforming Zinara,” said Mr Hwende.
“In the past, debates in this House on the administration’s finances led to investigations and the arrest of individuals implicated in financial improprieties. This demonstrates the importance of effective oversight in promoting accountability within public institutions.”
He also commended the Auditor-General’s Office for its diligence and thanked Members of Parliament for their robust contributions to the committee’s work.
“This recognition is not accidental; it shows that when Parliament and public institutions work together through transparency and accountability, tangible results can be achieved,” Mr Hwende added.
Lawmakers from across the political spectrum supported the report’s adoption, affirming that regular audits and the implementation of the Auditor-General’s recommendations are crucial to ensuring taxpayers’ money is used efficiently and for its intended purpose.
The adoption of the report marks a significant milestone in efforts to restore public confidence in State-owned enterprises, many of which have previously faced criticism for poor governance and financial mismanagement.
