Report says Dowa has misused 2014/15 budget

Dowa District Council has over spent its budgetary allocation for the 2014/15 financial year in the sectors of health and Education raising fears that the sectors would suffer before the financial year is ending on 30th June.

According to the cost center wise report presented at the council’s meeting today its Chief Accountant Samuel Mkundika said its budgetary allocation was MK143, 149, 552.

However, with only two months to go before ending the financial year, the council has a balance of MK 45,726,489.

Speaking at the meeting, Dowa District Health Officer Dr. Edwin Bakali, explained that the health sector over spent its budget because it did not have the budgetary rule until last week.

“We were spending anyhow but with the budgetary rule definitely his sector is at a disadvantage,” said Bakali.

He said officers were being sent on relief duties in health centers where there were no staff, thereby increasing and exceeding its allocation.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Jean Kalirani, who is also Member of Parliament for Dowa Central asked the council to make proper planning by ensuring that essential services are not affected.

Dr. Kalirani expressed concern over the report presented.