The Local Authorities Accounts Committee (LAAC) has directed the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) to conduct a special audit of the Farkwa Health Center construction project in the Chemba District, located in the Dodoma Region.
This directive comes after the committee conducted an inspection of various government-funded projects, including the construction of Sankwaleto Primary School and the Farkwa Health Center, in Chemba District.
The call for a special audit was made by the Chairperson of LAAC, Halima Mdee, who expressed concern over the apparent lack of value for money in the Farkwa Health Center project.
During the visit, the committee observed that the infrastructure built at the health center did not match the financial investment already made by the government.
According to Hon. Mdee, this discrepancy has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of project implementation and financial oversight.
“The committee has directed the CAG to conduct a special audit at Farkwa Health Center,” Mdee stated.
“The committee has found that there is no value for money in the project. The amount of money allocated to the construction does not correspond with the quality of infrastructure that has been put in place.”
She further emphasized that such audits are necessary to ensure transparency and accountability in government projects.
The LAAC’s inspection also highlighted the importance of monitoring and evaluating ongoing projects to ensure that funds allocated by the government are used effectively.
In response to the committee’s findings, the Office of the Dodoma Regional Commissioner has been tasked with closely monitoring projects in Chemba District to ensure timely completion and that they meet the expected standards.
Additionally, Mdee emphasized the need for improved oversight by local authorities. She called on relevant authorities to take responsibility for ensuring that public funds are spent appropriately, ensuring that citizens benefit from the services they are entitled to.
“The government has invested significant amounts of money in this project, and it is essential that the people of Farkwa receive value for their resources,” she noted.
In support of this stance, the Deputy Minister of the President’s Office - TAMISEMI, Dr. Festo Dugange, also called for stronger supervision of government-funded projects.
Dr. Dugange urged the District Executive Director’s office to enhance project monitoring to guarantee that the allocated funds result in tangible outcomes for the people.
He stressed the importance of effective project management to prevent misuse of public resources.
“The government allocates funds to improve the well-being of citizens, and there are sufficient professionals to oversee these projects. The government’s policy is to bring services closer to the people, and therefore, it is critical that funds are managed efficiently to ensure they deliver the desired impact,” Dr. Dugange stated.
The issue of project oversight has become a focal point for both the LAAC and government officials, especially as the country strives to ensure that public funds are utilized efficiently for the benefit of its citizens.
As such, this audit is expected to offer critical insights into improving the execution of future infrastructure projects and preventing similar discrepancies from occurring in other regions.
The call for a special audit of the Farkwa Health Center project is just one example of the increasing efforts by the government to ensure that public sector projects are not only completed on time but also reflect the value for money that citizens expect from their tax contributions.