Tana River MCAs have vowed to ensure the executive prioritises payment of pending bills that the County Government owed contractors and other service providers.
The Office of the Controller of Budget (OCOB) in its County Government budget implementation review report for FY2021/22 highlighted that the outstanding bill for Tana River as of June 30, 2022 is Sh. 1.4 billion.
“During the period under review, pending bills amounting to Sh. 966.44 million were settled, consisting of Sh. 153.22 million for recurrent expenditure and Sh. 816.22 million for development programmes,” read the OCOB report.
The last County Assembly failed to pass the budget for the financial year 2022/2023 as a result of conflict with the executive. Out of the 15 elected MCAs in the last assembly, only five retained their seats.
Ismail Kodobo, Hirimani ward rep and serving his second term revealed that conflict with the executive halted the efficient delivery of services in the county. He said their past efforts of ensuring contractors are paid were fruitless.
“I know this county government owe the contractors. Representatives made an effort to highlight pending bills so they can be paid. I know some tenders are given and people are afraid to take them for fear that when they finish they will not be paid their money,” said Kodobo.
Kodobo put on notice County Chief Officers and County Executive Committee members who didn’t perform that “we are in a new dawn”.
Members of the County Assembly had a closed-door meeting on Thursday with Governor Dhadho Godhana where they agreed to have a cordial working relationship.
Kodobo said they vetted and elected Osman Galole as Speaker based on his qualifications and experience, not through external influence.
By Sadik Hassan
