Payment claims by contractors not genuine

Marsabit

Tuesday July 18, 2023

KNA by Sebastian Miriti 

A move by Marsabit county governor Mohamud Ali to create a committee to establish the authenticity of payment claims lodged by contractors against the devolved unit has unearthed a huge fraud attempt.

The committee, according to the county government spokesperson Barille Abduba found out that out of 608 claims made, only 291 projects and services were delivered to the county government.

Mr Barille said during a press briefing on the matter following cries by contractors over the delayed payment that the claims amounting to Sh1.474 billion were lodged as pending bills, but only Sh474 million was ascertained as genuine.

“The probe by the committee headed by Ms Dika Bilala saved this county from losing Sh1 billion which could not be authenticated as no projects are physically available while no services were rendered,” Mr Barille stated.

The county government has however started engaging contractors with genuine claims amounting to Sh474 million, with Sh100 million having been paid out so far.

The spokesperson asked claimants of the remaining Sh374 million owed to the contractors to be patient as modalities to pay them were being worked out.

He underlined the commitment by the county government to prudent use of public resources for accelerated development.

The 317 claims that are believed to be false, he added, will not be paid despite vouchers having been prepared as most lacked supporting documents.

He warned those behind the move, which could have cost the taxpayer a big loss, besides denting the county government’s image may be punished in accordance with the law.

Courtesy ; K. N. A