Over Two Hundred and Sixty industrial machines procured by government for onward distribution to local artisans were left to rot at the garage of the District Chief Executive for Sissala West. This is according to the Auditor General’s Report submitted to Parliament in June 2023.
According to the report, the items had not been distributed as of 2022 when the audit was conducted, though the assembly received them in 2021.
Hairdressers, tailors and seamstresses were among the beneficiaries of these machines.
The items include 35 pieces of Sterilizer machines, 24 pieces of Hair Dryers, 36 pieces of Standard hair dryers and 2 standard steamers. The rest are Ceramic sink base 39, Ceramic Sink 39, Screw seats 39, Industrial sewing machines and overlock sewing machines – 3 each.
The consignment also includes 26 pieces of Industrial Iron Gravity, hand sewing machines 25 and 29 cutting machines.
The report indicated that “ In 2021, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) in collaboration with the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COVET) allocated to MMDAs, store items to be distributed to hairdressers, tailors and seamstresses to improve activities in the local economy”
However, the audit report stated, “Following this initiative, the Sissala West District Assembly in 2021 received store items from the Regional Coordinating Council but could not distribute them to the intended beneficiaries. The items were received and kept in the garage of the DCE residence. The items were neither received with a Store Receipt Voucher (SRA) nor recorded in the store ledgers to provide an audit trail”
The report intimated that the community was not deriving benefits from the items. This could also lead to pilfering and misuse of the items.
The auditor recommended that the items be distributed without delay.
The auditors say the conduct of the assembly contravenes Section 52 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) which requires Coordinating Directors, as principal spending officers to institute proper control systems to prevent losses and wastage.
UpperWestNews.com
    
