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{
    "id": 509525,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/509525/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 266,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Ababu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 108,
        "legal_name": "Ababu Tawfiq Pius Namwamba",
        "slug": "ababu-namwamba"
    },
    "content": "we held 60 sittings and for the year 2012/2013, we held a total of 45 sittings. I dare clarify that some of the sittings were done at the same time, where we would take evidence on all the three reports from Accounting Officers at the same time. The Committee wishes to place on record a number of challenges experienced in this process that led to the preparation of this Report. The greatest constraint faced by the Committee in preparation of this Report was the incredibly heavy workload occasioned by the backlog of accounts that I have already noted was inherited from the 10th Parliament going back three years. This backlog has delayed the approval of up to date accounts, which is a violation of Articles 228 (6) and 229(8) of the Constitution. Therefore, to correct this aberration, the Committee took the unprecedented measure of considering audited accounts for three consecutive years simultaneously; that is 2010/2011; 2011/2012 and 2012/2013. This is also of particular significance in ensuring fair revenue sharing between national and county governments calculated on the basis of the most current audited accounts as required by Article 202(3) of the Constitution of the Republic. In this regard it should also be noted that Parliament remains constrained in the provision of critical, technical and professional services that seriously hamper smooth committee operations, especially in circumstances of accelerated proceedings as in this case. Lack of professional editing services places a huge strain on hon. Members and clerks to polish report drafts. Limited access to transcribed hard copy HANSARD records makes referencing and cross checking of information and evidence a challenge. Committee clerks would also benefit from continuous capacity building to enhance ability and experience. Further, the Committee was quite frustrated by the unacceptably poor performance by some Accounting Officers, who made work difficult by their numerous requests to postpone appearance, coming before the Committee unprepared, submitting poorly prepared, casual and unconvincing responses, late submission of responses and failure to furnish the Office of the Auditor-General with advance copies of responses. The Committee holds the view that this is irreprehensible conduct that compromises the audit cycle and must be strongly discouraged by all means."
}