AYV News, September, 9, 2024

The leadership of Freetown City Council (FCC) has issued a response to the Tribunal’s report on the Auditor-General, Lara Taylor-Pearce, and Deputy Auditor-General, Tamba Momoh.

The Council specifically addressed concerns raised in Sections 248-257 of the Report, which highlighted alleged failures in conducting a proper audit of the Council’s 2020 financial year.

The FCC emphasised that its financial statements for the year ended 31st December, 2020 were thoroughly audited by Audit Services Sierra Leone (ASSL), which issued an unqualified audit opinion. “Copies of the audited FCC Financial Statements are available at our offices. FCC has always subjected itself and provided its fullest cooperation to external audit exercises conducted by ASSL and will continue to do so as provided by law,” the statement read.

The Council also clarified the handling of funds for the Transform Freetown projects implemented in 2020.

According to the FCC, most of these projects were donor-funded and managed by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), with no funds directly managed by the Council.

“Those Transform Freetown projects that were implemented by FCC were fully reflected in the FCC Financial Statements that were audited by ASSL,” FCC stated.

Addressing concerns about financial mismanagement, the FCC asserted that no donors had raised issues regarding corruption or mismanagement of funds related to Transform Freetown projects.

“FCC has never made a repayment of funds in respect of Transform Freetown projects. The effectiveness of the delivery of Transform Freetown projects has been well documented in detailed annual reports that are publicly available,” the Council noted, adding that many of its donors have praised these projects as examples of best practices.

The statement further revealed that Parliament commissioned a special audit of the Transform Freetown projects in 2022, which lasted six months. Although the FCC is yet to receive the findings of this special audit, the Council remains confident it will clear any misconceptions.

“We are confident that it will provide clarification on the implementation of Transform Freetown projects and lay to rest any misconceptions or suggestions of mismanagement,” FCC stated.

The Freetown City Council reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability, noting, “FCC maintains that credible and independent external audit exercises are critical tools to provide an independent assessment of our programmes and uphold accountability and transparency in delivering services to Freetonians.”

The statement concluded with a pledge of continued openness to scrutiny in the Council’s ongoing efforts to transform Freetown.