The Ministry of Fisheries and Forests did not utilize $1.4 million of its budget in 2023, according to the Auditor-General’s report. The ministry had a revised budget of $15.5 million but only spent $14.1 million, with payroll vacancies being a key reason for the unspent amount. The Auditor-General assessed the ministry’s financial statements as effective, indicating no audit adjustments were required.
Similarly, the forestry sector of the ministry failed to spend $2.3 million of its allocated budget, primarily due to project delays and unfilled positions. With a total revised budget of $17.1 million, the forestry division only spent $14.8 million. The report noted that the unutilized funds stemmed mostly from the slow supply of materials for projects along with the vacant positions that contributed significantly to budget inefficiency. Additionally, the ministry generated revenues of $384,832 mainly from licensing fees.
These findings align with broader concerns regarding budget utilization within various government departments. Earlier reports have indicated that significant amounts remain unspent across different ministries, highlighting the need for more effective budget management and execution. The establishment of monitoring units within the Ministry of Finance aims to address these concerns, ensuring that budgets are utilized properly and efficiently.
The financial prudence reflected in the assessments can provide an opportunity for future improvements. By focusing on filling vacancies, expediting project schedules, and ensuring timely procurement of materials, the Ministry of Fisheries and Forests—and indeed, all government departments—can make more effective use of public funds. This could lead to enhanced services and project outcomes that align with the government’s commitments to the community.
Overall, addressing the gaps in budget utilization has the potential to optimize resources and improve the quality of services provided to citizens, ultimately benefiting the community as a whole.
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