Speaker Orders Ministries of Finance and Works to Account for Stalled Bridges

Speaker Jacob Oboth-Oboth has issued a directive for officials from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development and the Ministry of Works and Transport to appear before the Committee on Government Assurance. This comes in response to concerns over more than 30 bridge projects that have stalled nationwide.

The directive was prompted by the Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Government Assurance, Anna Adeke, who highlighted the repeated refusal of these officials to honour parliamentary summons.

Adeke informed the plenary that both ministry officials and the contractors responsible for the stalled bridges had failed to appear before the committee to provide explanations. This lack of accountability, she stated, hinders the committee’s oversight function and prevents understanding why funded projects remain incomplete, leaving communities isolated.

Speaker Oboth expressed his disapproval of the officials’ conduct, emphasizing that parliamentary committees must be respected. He reminded them that all responsible officers are accountable and must attend committee meetings when summoned. The Speaker also noted that parliamentary rules allow for coercive measures, including arrest warrants, to compel attendance.

In response to the Speaker’s directive, the Second Deputy Prime Minister, Crispus Kiyonga, assured Parliament that the government would ensure compliance from ministers and technical officers, reiterating that accountability is a core part of their work.

The Committee on Government Assurance is tasked with investigating the progress of various government promises, including numerous road and bridge projects managed by the Ministry of Works and Transport. The investigation specifically targets projects that have stalled despite the release of funds, with the committee seeking clear explanations from all parties involved.

Source: Nile Post