SPEAKER DIRECTS FINANCE, WORKS OFFICIALS OVER 30 STALLED BRIDGES
Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth.
NILE POST
Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth has directed officials from the Ministries of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and Works and Transport, together with contractors, to appear before the Committee on Government Assurance over more than 30 stalled bridge projects across the country.
The directive followed concerns raised during Wednesday’s plenary sitting by the Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Government Assurance, Anna Adeke, who said officials had repeatedly refused to honour summons to explain the stalled projects.
“Right Honourable Speaker, officials from the Ministries of Finance and Works and Transport have continuously refused to appear before the Committee to provide accountability for the over 30 road bridges that have stalled. Even the contractors said to be responsible for the construction of the bridges snubbed the engagement without providing any explanation,” Adeke told Parliament.
She said the officials’ failure to appear was frustrating the committee’s oversight role and making it difficult to establish why projects that had been contracted and funded stalled, leaving communities cut off and taxpayers at a loss.
“We have invited them on several occasions and they have not appeared. There is no communication as to why they are not appearing. We need your guidance, Rt. Hon. Speaker,” Adeke added.
In response, Speaker Oboth expressed displeasure at the conduct of the officials and said parliamentary committees must be respected in the execution of their mandate.
“All responsible officers must provide accountability. If you are invited by a Committee, you must appear. Committees should use the Rules of Procedure to compel them to appear before their Committees. No one is above accountability,” Speaker Oboth ruled.
The Speaker emphasised that parliamentary rules provide for sanctions, including warrants of arrest, against officials who defy committee summons.
The Second Deputy Prime Minister, Crispus Kiyonga, assured Parliament that government would ensure ministers and technical officers comply with committee summons.
“As government, we will ensure all Ministers appear before Committees whenever needed and there is no need of snubbing Committees. Accountability is part of our work and we shall cooperate fully with Parliament,” Kiyonga said.
The Committee on Government Assurance is investigating the implementation of government assurances, including several road and bridge projects under the Ministry of Works and Transport.
The investigation covers projects that have stalled despite funds having been released, with the committee seeking explanations from the responsible government officials and contractors.
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