COvid-19 Scares Auditor-General From Receiving Asset Declaration Forms

The Auditor-General has suspended the collection of Assets and Liabilities Declaration forms from public officials amidst Covid-19 scare.

In a press statement issued by the Audit Service on Monday, March 23, 2020, the audit service claims it is taking the step to “reduce contact”.

“The office of the Auditor-General brings to the notice of its stakeholders, public office holders and the general public that it has suspended the collection of the Assets and Liabilities Declaration Forms in a bid to curb the spread of the COVID-19 through reduced contact,” the statement read.

“The office regrets any inconvenience this notice would create but assures the public that the procedure shall resume as soon as the situation becomes normal.”

However, critics think the A-G may be over-dramatising the situation as the forms could be sent via mail without the need for the feared contact.

The A-G is expected to conduct periodic asset audits of public office holders as part of its anti-corruption mandate.

Even though the audit service is not sure when it will start receiving these forms, it has warned public officeholders to complete the filling of their forms and await further instructions.

 “We advise all public office holders in the interim to ensure all forms in their possession are completed in accordance with Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution in and the Public Office Holders (Declaration of Assets and Disqualification) Acr, 1998, (Act 550).”

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