By Tereza Jeremiah Chuei
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Justice Ruben Madol Arol has on Wednesday received the Public Financial Management and Accountability Act 2011 (Amendment Bill) 2022 from the National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC).
The NCAC submitted the financial management and accountability Act to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs on pursuant to Article 1. 18. 1. 3 of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The Bill provided for conformity of the Public Financial Management and Accountability Act, 2011 with the Constitutions, Legal and Public guiding principles.
Speaking during the handover of the amendment draft Bill, the Chairperson of NCAC Gichira Kibara said the Bill promotes prudent, transitional and accountable management of national wealth and resources.
“The rule of Law and Constitutional, and democratic governance in the Republic of South Sudan, during and after the Transitional Period as stipulated under the Agreement,” he said.
“The Bill address the process of general budget preparation, enhanced the role of the accounting officers in the spending agencies, budget and appropriations, requisition and expenditure,” he outlined the key aspects of the amended Bill.
He further said that the Bill provides condition of borrowing by the National and State government, including the requirements for approval by the assembly; lending and on-lending, accountability, preparation and examination of accounts as well as procedure governing transfers to the State Government.
“The bill also obligates the Auditor General to Audit the Petroleum sector and review the transfers of the two percent (2%) and three percent (3%) of oil proceeds made to oil producing States,” he stated.
The NCAC Chairperson underscored that the submission of the bill is a milestone in the implementation of the Agreement and demonstrates the parties’ commitment to implement the Agreement.
He assured the committee’s continued effort to work on the Amendment of the other laws that strengthen the public finance management sector.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Justice Ruben Madol Arol said government expects good governance of the public financial obligation in the Country, adding that it will be to the expectation of the people.
He commended NCAC for the achievement, and has promised to pass the bill in the next relevant stages as soon as possible.