Melo Media, Tuesday, 14th November, 2023
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) expressed frustration and dissatisfaction with the slow progress of the implementation of the Integrated National Registration Information System (INRIS) project.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) expressed their frustration over the slow implementation of the INRIS project and questioned the Ministry about the Treasury’s decision to reclaim control over 99 amounts totaling K29,310,272 that were originally allocated for the procurement of equipment for the project.
During a recent inquiry, MP for Chavuma, Mr. Victor Lumayi, questioned the start date of the project and raised concerns about the Ministry’s failure to fully utilize the allocated funds during the specified period.
It was revealed during the committee hearing that the project had initially started in 2009, but progress was significantly accelerated after the new government took office.
This frustration was brought to light by nominated MP Mr. Likando Mufalali, who stated that the Ministry was hindering progress by the way the Head of Procurement was handling queries regarding the procurement of equipment for INRIS.
During a meeting with the Ministry, Auditor General Dr. Ron Mwambwa questioned whether the Ministry had a procurement plan and if the INRIS project was included in that plan. The Head of Procurement responded that the project was not part of the procurement plan, further adding to the committee’s frustration.
However, Mr. Josephs Akafumba, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security, has denied claims that the ministry is hindering progress. He stated that the ministry is actually working to facilitate the progress of the project.
Mr. Akafumba, a member of the committee, expressed disappointment that the Ministry of Finance was not releasing funding for the project in a timely manner, as they had done in 2022 when the funds were released in November.
Mr. Mufalali, a member of the committee, pointed out that according to the correspondence they received, the funds for the project were released in October, not November as previously stated. He questioned the length of time it took for the procurement process to be completed in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Auditor General Dr. Ron Mwambwa has stated that the issue is related to coordination problems, emphasizing that funds will not be released from the Treasury unless the project is properly profiled.
Mr. Warren Mwambazi, the Chairperson of the PAC and Bwana Mukubwa MP, emphasized the importance of the INRIS project as part of the larger E-Government project and urged the Ministry to take necessary actions to expedite its progress.
In response, the Permanent Secretary (PS) assured the committee that the Ministry will take their guidance into consideration and strive to improve in the future.
Mr. Akafumba vowed that he would not return to appear before the committee next year.
The project aims to enhance civil registration and identity management processes by introducing digitization and automation.
