Story by ZBC Reporter
THE Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Advocate J. F. N. Mudenda has emphasised the government’s commitment to mobilising revenue, budget allocation, and prudent expenditure in ensuring accountability.
In his keynote address at the joint induction workshop for the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance, and Investment Promotion and the Public Accounts Committee, Advocate Mudenda highlighted the essential role of the two committees in upholding the government’s accountability matrix and the sustaining of clean governance for the benefit of the people of Zimbabwe.
“The palpable role of these two committees ostensibly lies in ensuring that the government’s accountability bar remains sustainably high to ensure clean governance by the people, with the people and for the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
The Speaker of Parliament articulated the complementary roles of the Committee on Budget, Finance, and Investment Promotion, tasked with robust oversight of the management of public funds, and the Public Accounts Committee, responsible for analyzing the Auditor General’s Reports. He underscored the significance of their continued diligence in ensuring financial malfeasance is prevented and addressed expediently in the national interest.
Hon. Advocate J. F. N. Mudenda urged members to ensure full compliance with the legal framework governing the establishment of parliamentary committees. This includes the timely tabling of monthly and quarterly financial reports, as well as adherence to the principles of public financial management as stipulated in the Constitution.
He went on to stress the crucial role of parliamentary oversight in monitoring state revenues and expenditures, emphasising the need for meticulous oversight pre-audit and post-audit by the two committees.
“As members of these two Committees of Parliament, you have a constitutional mandate to ensure that our government is accountable without fear or favour for the sake of the people of Zimbabwe who expect sound governance in Zimbabwe’s democratic theatre.”
He expressed optimism that the workshop would enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public finances, contributing to the realization of institutional and national goals.
The developmental trajectory of Zimbabwe, as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1, is a key area of focus for the Budget, Finance, and Investment Promotion Committee.
“The developmental trajectory of Zimbabwe is underpinned by the National Development Strategy 1 (2021-2025) which aims at realising the country’s Vision 2030 of becoming a Prosperous Upper Middle Economy,” said Advocate Mudenda.
The committees play a crucial role in ensuring the complementarity of monetary and fiscal policies to achieve economic stability and sustained growth.
