By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), under the leadership of its Chairman and Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, is intensifying efforts to resolve financial discrepancies linked to the Regional Rice Value Chain Project (RRVCP) and the Family Support and Recovery Programme (FSRP). The issue involves an outstanding debt of over Le19 billion, raising questions about financial management and contractual compliance.
The dispute centers around a Chinese contractor, M.A. Ruming, who has been responsible for managing payments to machinery operators under these government-backed initiatives. While the agreements included deductions from operator payments to settle government dues, an audit revealed significant outstanding debts that require immediate attention.
Hon. Tawa Conteh has reaffirmed PAC’s commitment to ensuring transparency and fairness in managing public funds. In a recent committee meeting, a decision was made to deduct 70% of the amounts owed to machinery operators to help recover part of the outstanding debt. This move reflects the PAC’s balanced approach to addressing the interests of all stakeholders.
“The Public Accounts Committee is dedicated to protecting the integrity of public resources while ensuring that all parties involved are treated fairly,” Hon. Tawa said. He highlighted the importance of upholding financial accountability as a cornerstone of good governance.
The PAC’s investigation revealed that payments made to M.A. Ruming for services rendered by machinery operators had not been disbursed as expected. Hon. Tawa engaged the Rokel Commercial Bank (RCB) to address this, urging its leadership to block disputed transfers and ensure refunds to the operators.
Efforts to resolve the matter through informal discussions with M.A. Ruming have so far been inconclusive. Nevertheless, Hon. Tawa expressed optimism about finding a solution that aligns with the project’s objectives and maintains trust among all parties.
M.A. Ruming has not issued a detailed public response but has reportedly acknowledged the challenges in meeting financial obligations due to administrative and operational complexities. Sources close to the contractor suggest an intention to collaborate with PAC to resolve the matter amicably and ensure compliance with financial agreements.
This situation highlights the vital role of parliamentary oversight in strengthening the management of public funds. Hon. Tawa has called for improved coordination and communication between project stakeholders to prevent future discrepancies.
The Public Accounts Committee’s proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to resolving issues constructively while fostering accountability. By addressing this matter with transparency and fairness, PAC aims to reinforce confidence in government-backed projects and ensure that resources are managed effectively for all benefits.
As PAC continues to engage with stakeholders, Hon. Tawa emphasized the importance of collaboration in resolving the dispute. “We are focused on achieving a fair, transparent, and beneficial solution to all involved,” he stated.
This approach not only sets a positive precedent for addressing financial disputes but also underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to good governance and responsible financial management.
