BY FASICA BERHANE

The House of People’s Representatives Expenses Administration Control Affairs Standing Committee demanded clarity on the 2006 expense audit report of the Dire Dawa and Jigjiga universities here Friday.

The inquiries raised by the Committee were based on the Federal Auditor General report focusing on financial income and budgetary utilization, collected fees, unpaid finances and material and equipment purchases and other related expenses that needed explanations from the universities.

Both universities gave explanations on the possible challenges regarding procurement of educational materials, lab accessories, food supply and construction deals and bids failures that resulted being the main reasons for the proportionate report of 2006.

Girma Goru representative for Dire Dawa University explains that most of the complications on construction consultancy, food suppliers and human resource problems have been corrected in 2007 and the university is working for better more.

Jigjiga University representative Abdul Naser Ahmed on his part has given similar explanations by saying that the university is working on a plan and needs some help and experience sharing from other universities as its new and human resource participation is needed. He also said that the university has implemented GPS installations during this year to control the unnecessary expenses on gas consumption.

During the hearing, the Standing Committee Chairperson Almaz Mesele said every government institution should work following the rules and regulations, and inquiries on audit results are vital for clarity and correction in relation to future activities. She also said that an effective action plan is needed to obtain the results that could easily meet the objectives of the financial budget.

Source: The Ethiopian Herald