Parly unhappy with ZW$6.8 billion unapproved over-expenditure

Parliament of Zimbabwe has raised concern over the ZW$6.8 billion that was used by the treasury without approval as is required by the law.

The unauthorised over-expenditure was unearthed by the auditor general, and this is despite the fact that the finance minister has always been declaring surplus.

Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda demanded that the treasury should bring a supplementary budget to Parliament without delay.

The supplementary budget will help Parliament to scrutinise the over expenditure and also approve it in line with the laws.

‘’It is quite disheartening to note that the report of the Auditor-General which plays a crucial role in budget scrutiny unearthed an unauthorised excess budget usage amounting to ZWL$6.8 billion by Treasury without Parliament’s approval.

‘’This amount constitutes a supplementary budget which must follow the normal budget approval process by Parliament. I, therefore, urge the Minister of Finance and Economic Development to promptly engage Parliament and regularise this unacceptable fiscal anomaly.

‘’I further demand strict adherence to the dictates of the Constitution, the Finance Act, the Appropriation Act, the Public Finance Management Act and any other legislation that attempt to ensure value for money in the budgetary processes of our country,’’ he said.

This is not the first time that treasury has spent huge sums of money without approval. Almost every year the treasury is always exposed by the auditor general.

According to economic commentators, the failure by the treasury to adhere to clearly set finance laws affects issues of accountability.

Others are also of the view that it’s a way of undermining Parliament’s powers over the country’s purse.

It however remains to be seen if Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube will be able to bring the supplementary budget as he is already putting final touches on the 2022 National Budget. The 2022 national budget will be tabled in Parliament in November.

Parly unhappy with ZW$6.8 billion unapproved over-expenditure