By Prince J Musa in Kenema
Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) has completed an engagement with stakeholders in relation to Local Council Auditing.
The exercise was held at the Multi-purpose building Hanga Road in Kenema on the 25th of April 2023.
In his statement, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of ASSL, Martin Sandi said the engagement was to bring the audit office closer to the people so that they will be able to know its work at various levels.
He said the other reason for the engagement was to give an update about the work of the Kenema City Council so that it will enable them to tell the audience the manner in which the audit service is working with the two local councils.
He said Kenema District and City Councils will be audited for the activities they have done for 2022 including revenue generated, monies allocated to them by the central government, and donor funds received. He added that the institution wants people to be part of the planning before going ahead with the auditing process.
‘’We want to take the work of audit service to the doorsteps of citizens,’’ he said.
The ASSL PRO stated that citizens’ engagement was for the people to help identify various projects that councils implemented at different locations within the district so that they can ascertain the status of the projects and help guide the auditors in their work.
The ASSL Regional Manager East, Jonathan Teckham explained the constitutional provision that gives power to audit service charged with the responsibility to check on how taxes paid, are used by institutions.
He stated that they have audited Kailahun and Kono. ‘’Auditing is not witch-hunting but to ensure accountability in the uses of tax payers’ money,’’ he said.
He added that their auditing role stops at the submission of their report to the public account committee in parliament for action to be taken.
The Section Chief of Konia Kpendibu Section in Nongowa Chiefdom, Amara Soko Musa thanked the audit service for such a move as he said the councils have not been engaging them in the implementation of some of the development projects in their communities.
He commended ASSL for the good work and encouraged them to continue so that they will be aware of some of the activities of the councils regarding, especially projects yet to be completed.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (03/05/23)
