The time has come for this Government to stop talking about fixing the economy and start addressing one of the biggest drains on our national Treasury: waste, greed and corruption in the execution of government projects.
I find it unacceptable that there is no statutory requirement for government projects to undergo a mandatory six-month independent audit. Why should taxpayers have to accept a system that does not make this compulsory?
I am proposing that this must change immediately.
EVERY GOVERNMENT PROJECT, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, MUST UNDERGO A MANDATORY INDEPENDENT AUDIT EVERY SIX MONTHS.
This must be written into law. The audits must be conducted by independent, qualified auditors who have no connection to the ministry, agency, contractor or individuals involved in the project.
These audits must examine:
- Contract awards and procurement procedures.
- Expenditure against actual work completed.
- Inflated costs and questionable contract variations.
- Project delays and cost overruns.
- Quality of materials and workmanship.
- Whether taxpayers are receiving value for money.
The findings must be submitted to the appropriate oversight authorities and published for public scrutiny. Where irregularities are identified, investigations must follow, public funds must be recovered where legally possible, and those responsible must face the consequences.
We continue to hear stories of individuals who previously appeared unable to afford a car or a home but, through connections and involvement in government projects, are now reportedly millionaires. These allegations deserve proper investigation. Public contracts must never become private enrichment schemes.
How many millions, perhaps billions, have been lost through inflated contracts, questionable variations, unfinished projects and inadequate supervision over the years?
This is not about targeting individuals or political parties. It is about protecting the country’s finances and restoring public confidence.
Mr. Government, you have been given a mandate to manage this country. Taxpayers are not asking for miracles. They are demanding accountability, transparency and value for money.
MAKE SIX-MONTH INDEPENDENT AUDITS COMPULSORY BY LAW. PUBLISH THE FINDINGS. INVESTIGATE IRREGULARITIES. RECOVER PUBLIC FUNDS WHERE WRONGDOING IS ESTABLISHED. PROSECUTE THOSE FOUND GUILTY.
We cannot continue asking citizens to tighten their belts while public money is wasted or diverted through questionable arrangements.
Fix the economy, but go after the greed that is draining it.
TAXPAYERS’ MONEY IS NOT ANYBODY’S PERSONAL BANK ACCOUNT!
This practice has gone on for far too long. It must stop NOW!
Gordon Laughlin
Westmoorings
