Lusaka Province spent money irregulary on lunch – AG’s report

THE latest Auditor General (AG)’s report has revealed that K85,280 was irregularly paid as lunch allowance to some officers at the Lusaka provincial administration for performing duties at their normal working stations.
This is contrary to Cabinet Office Circular Number 11 of 2013 which states that lunch allowance shall only be paid to officers who travel away from their normal duty station on official duty for eight hours or more but not including an overnight stay.
The 2014 AG’s report has further revealed that 61 payments totalling K501,091 made during the period under review had no supporting documents such as local purchase orders, invoices and receipts, among others.
It also revealed that 91 payment vouchers totalling K87,475 made during the period under review were not produced for audit, thereby making it difficult to ascertain the purpose for which the payments were made.
The report further indicated that K23,402 worth of various gifts purchased for traditional ceremonies was not acquitted by traditional leaders or their representatives.
The report revealed that K114,122 was paid to 21 officers to attend traditional ceremonies but a scrutiny of retirements submitted showed that K23,402 of various gifts purchased for traditional ceremonies was not acquitted by traditional leaders or their representatives.
It also revealed that stores items costing K388,588 procured during the year under review had no receipt and disposal details contrary to Public Stores regulation number 16 and 18.
The report also revealed that fuel and lubricants costing K14,603 involving 50 transactions were drawn by various motor vehicles without authority.
It also revealed that fuel costing K92,497 procured during the year under review had no disposal details contrary to Public Stores regulation number 16.
The report revealed that K14,541 deducted from an officer as pay as you earn (PAYE) during the period under review had not been remitted to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) as of June, last year, contrary to the Income Tax Act.
The report also shows that the administration paid K7,180 to two suppliers to supply furniture which was not delivered as of November last year.