The Gauteng Department of Finance (GDF) has noted the media statement by the Democratic Alliance on under-spending in the provincial government in the 2010/11 financial year.
It is important to clarify that the R1.5-billion under-expenditure was recorded on infrastructure projects where there were delays in project planning and funds were withheld by National Treasury. This under-spending did not translate to the province having savings because at the end of financial year, GPG departments had commitments mainly in infrastructure spending that they accrued and were cleared in the current financial year.
That said, the Gauteng Department of Finance is committed to restoring the fiscal wellbeing of the Gauteng Provincial Government. The department has introduced measures to instil and engender the stringent culture of financial control and management.
This is done through ensuring that before projects go out on tender or goods and services are procured, GDF first assesses budget availability in the current year and over the proposed lifespan of the tender award. This is currently being done for all projects or tenders above the R10-million threshold.
To improve project planning and general infrastructure spending, all departments are now required to submit credible project implementation plans a year in advance. These include alternative building materials and non-conventional construction methods.
Furthermore, in order to accelerate infrastructure expenditure, there is a team comprising Heads of Departments of Education, Health, Infrastructure Development and Finance that meets weekly to assess progress on the delivery programmes, and actively address any challenges as soon as these are identified.
The output of this team feeds into a weekly meeting of MECs of Education, Health, Infrastructure Development and Finance that comprise the political oversight committee on infrastructure service delivery.
Enquiries:
John Sukazi
Tel: 012 355-2161
Cell: 0837724885
E-mail: gdfmedia@gauteng.gov.za
