DCEC engaged to investigate BALA

Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday October 5, 2018 15:05

Public Accounts Committee (PAC) members have learnt that BALA has been failing to account for the money that they are given by the government yearly.

The special elected MP, Reggie Reatile wanted to know why the Ministry keeps on dispersing money to BALA when there are issues of failing to account for the funds given by government. The government gives BALA around P4 million annually.

“I understand it has been years if I am not wrong that BALA has been failing to account for money but the Ministry is giving out the money to it.

The Ministry has taken a resolution that it would not dispense the money to BALA if it does not account for the one that it was given. I hope DCEC is handling the matter,” the permanent secretary for the Ministry Khumo Matlhare said.

In response, BALA president Mpho Moruakgomo expressed shock.

“This is news to me and there is no truth to what the permanent secretary is saying. BALA has been accounting to government.

We have reports that I can show you. Even our last financial statement is there which has records on how we are using or spending the money as BALA. We do not have anything to hide.

These allegations are not true and it will tarnish the name of BALA. Our financial books are audited just like any government department or company,” he said.

Moruakgomo said he was shocked because recently they were with the permanent secretary as BALA officials and he never brought the issue to their attention.

He said even DCEC has not yet come to their office to question them but their books are ready in case they need them.

Moruakgomo said BALA officials do report to the ministry quarterly, but the Ministry has not reported nor told them that they are unpleased by certain things.

Mmegi has learnt that the money that was not accounted for are some of the trips that some BALA officials do take, at times out of the country.