Every government contract should be subject to mandatory performance audits and reviews every six months throughout its duration.
Too many projects are plagued by cost overruns, delays and questions about accountability. Where public funds are involved, the public deserves to know whether contractors are delivering what they promised, whether payments match work completed, and whether costs are justified.
The absence of effective, continuous oversight creates opportunities for waste, fraud, corruption and possible money laundering. Allegations must be investigated, not ignored.
I propose that independent auditors review every major government contract at six-month intervals, examining expenditure, project milestones, variations, subcontractors and payments. Any unexplained cost increases or suspicious transactions must trigger an immediate investigation.
Audit findings should be published, subject only to legitimate legal and security restrictions. Contractors who fail to perform should face appropriate penalties, and officials who approve unjustified payments must be held accountable.
Why should taxpayers discover years later that millions have been wasted when proper checks could have identified the problems along the way?
Government contracts must no longer be treated as a matter of signing agreements and hoping for the best. Public money demands public accountability.
The time has come to audit performance, follow the money and hold people accountable.
Gordon Laughlin,
Westmoorings
