Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1698835174001.pdf (Sierra Leone)
1 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE NO.
Title Page Table of Contents Introduction Scope of the Exercise Procedure Objectives of the Exercise General Observations and Recommendations Specific Findings and Recommendations Ministry of Transport & Aviation Anti- Corruption Commission ( ACC) Parliament Audit Service Sierra Leone Government Printing Department National Public Procurement Authority ( NPPA) Sierra Leone Marine Time Administration Ministry of Works and Public Assets Road Maintenance Fund Administration Sierra Leone Roads Authority ( Development Activities, Roads) National Assets & Government Property Commission Ministry of Gender and Children’s Commission National Commission for Children (NCC) Ministry of Youth Affairs The National Youth Commission National Youth Service Ministry of Youth Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security Sierra Seed Certification Agency 26 27 2 National Fertilizer Regulatory Agency National Minerals Agency (NMA) Ministry of Environment National Protected Area Authority & Conservation Trust Fund Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Authority ( SLEPA) Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Ministry of Planning & Economic Development Statistics Sierra Leone Public Private Partnership Unit National Sports Authority Ministry of Internal Affairs Sierra Leone Police Sierra Leone Correctional Services National Fire Force National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency National
 Electoral Commission (NEC) National Civil Aviation Authority ( NCRA) Cooperative Affairs Commission Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources Cabinet Secretariat Ministry of Lands Housing & Country Planning Immigration Department Independent Police Complaints Board Sierra Leone Insurance Commission Ministry of Labour and Social Security Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) Public Service Commission (PSC) Ministry of Water Resources Various – Guma Valley Water Company Various- Sierra Leone Water Company Conclusion 1.
INTRODUCTION 57 58 58 59 Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, the 2021 budget with the theme, “Economic Recovery for Job Creation and Human Capital Development” undoubtedly a continuation of the 2020 finance statement in which hosts of catalogued commitments were partly achieved and the others to rolled over to 2021.
Though the Country registered remarkable macroeconomic and budgetary performance in the later part of the 2020 financial year but the outbreak of the COVID-19 in the early part of the year under review had a deep toll on the growth and recovery trajectory.

Whilst acknowledging that the 2021 budgetary allocations to various sectors have shown substantial increment, the Parliament noticed a dismal performance of MDAs as most programmes were uncompleted partly due to the pandemic and or funding gaps.
As this 2020 Appropriation deviates from the usual norms i.e.

groups of MDAs assigned to named groups of Members of Parliament, this year we adopted the Select Committee Approach that now gives authority to each Select Committee to carefully follow up on the activities of their MDAs through oversights.

However, it is undoubtedly necessary to state here that this change brought huge implications on the analysis and compilation of the final report.
I acknowledge the good work of all MPs and Staff who painstakingly put efforts together to produce this second report on the Parliamentary Committees consolidated findings.

2.

SCOPE OF THE EXERCISE Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, this Report covers 33 MDAs as listed in the 2021 Appropriation Act.

The hearings on the 2021 Budget lasted for five days and covered the following MDAs: 4 Table 1: MDAs Account Heads and their Allocations for 2021 Vote Div.
Vote Description 404 110 116 121 141 412 415 408 411 Vario us Ministry of Transport & Aviation Anti- Corruption Commission ( ACC) Parliament Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL) Government Printing Department Amount [Le] 54,589,200,700 8,000,000,000 21,904,776,600 10,410,589,800 2,415,952,000 National Public Procurement Authority ( NPPA) 3,500,000,000 Sierra Leone Marine Time Administration 40,650,851,300 Ministry of Works and Public Assets 12,664,264,400 Road Maintenance Fund Administration 124,947,441,800 Sierra Leone Roads Authority ( Development Activities, 256,000,000,000 Roads) National Assets & Government Property Commission 1,000,000,000 Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs 3,000,000,000 National Commission for Children (NCC) 1,010,248,300 Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation 50,000,000,000 Ministry of Youth Affairs The National Youth Commission National Youth Service Ministry of Sports 2,801,307,079 3,000,000,000 2,500,000,000 3,685,452,700 Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security 31,529,158,900 Sierra Seed Certification Agency National Fertilizer Regulatory Agency National Minerals Agency (NMA) Ministry of Environment 1,000,000,000 1,500,000,000 2,059,458,700 3,837,496,900 National Protected Area Authority & Conservation Trust 3,261,474,300 Fund 417 00 Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority 2,270,093,700 5 422 402 127 138 112 00 00 00 00 01 205
Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Authority ( 24,833,296,800 SLEPA) Sierra Leone Meteorological Agency 1,636,085,700 Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources 14,630,566,700 Ministry of Planning & Economic Development 14,889,517,900 Statistics Sierra Leone Public Private Partnership Unit 320 000 National Sports Authority Ministry of Internal Affairs Sierra Leone Police Sierra Leone Correctional Services National Fire Force 6,000,000,000 1,000,000,000 25,205,795,000 1,022,549,000 96,307,000,000 58,664,966,400 5,982,138,800 National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency 795,984,200 National Electoral Commission (NEC) 150,000,000,000 National Civil Aviation Authority ( NCRA) 5,197,073,300 Cooperative Affairs Commission 1,028,036,300 Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources 1,856,847,200 Cabinet Secretariat 3,146,981,600 Ministry of Lands Housing & Country Planning 3,010,290,800 Immigration Department Independent Police Complaints Board Sierra Leone Insurance Commission Ministry of Labour and Social Security 7,334,836,400 1,250,598,700 1,000,000,000 4,947,443,300 Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) 3,000,000,000 Public Service Commission (PSC) Ministry of Water Resources 3,097,411,200 15,737,173,100 6 Source: Secretariat 3.
PROCEDURE Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, before the exercise commenced, summon letters and open-ended questionnaires were sent out to all Vote Controllers, requesting their presence, both past and present core staff.

In line with S.O.

66[1], Vote Controllers, Accountants and other senior officials were requested to respond to questions relating to their budgetary allocations, state their challenges and provide explanation on how they have been carrying out their mandate.
This was meant to determine the efficient and prudent use of financial resources.

During the course of the exercise, the Committee observed traditionally established parliamentary procedures; i.e., reading the relevant provisions in the Constitution and the Standing Orders to emphasise the Committee’s legal standing, and putting auditees on oath to ascertain the authenticity and accuracy of their responses, as inscribed in Section 93, Sub-section 6[a] of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.
Besides, in line with S.O.

73[20], the hearings were open to the public, but this Committee admonished media houses about premature publications of Committee decisions as contained in S.O.

75[1-3].

4.

SECRETARIAT Sectorial Committee Clerks 5.
OBJECTIVES OF THE EXERCISE Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, without undermining the provision of S.O 66[1], this Sub-Appropriation Committee undertook this exercise with sole objective of finding out the following:  The challenges faced by the MDAs assigned to this Committee;  Weather their 2020 budgetary submissions were in line with their work plan and activity implementation;  To enable Vote Controllers and their Accountants and Finance Personnel justify the figures factored in their recurrent and development expenditure estimates for 2020; 7  Whether the MDAs adhered to National Public Financial Management Regulations as means of enhancing accountability in the utilization of public resources allocated under the 2020 budget; and  whether the budgetary resources were properly prioritized and used judiciously.
6.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, during the exercise, the following general observations and recommendations were recognised: [i] The Committee observed that, the total amount of allocations approved by the House of Parliament for MDAs were not the actual amount received by the MDAs that falls within the purview of the Committee, i.e., there is either decrease or an increase in the final funds disbursed to the MDAs.
Therefore, the Committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance comply with providing the stipulated approved budget by Parliament to MDAs.

[ii] The Committee observed there was lack of timely release of MDAs allocations.

The Committee recommends that, the Ministry of Finance release on time allocations to MDAs in order for the MDAs to carry out their mandates effectively and efficiently.
[iii] The Committee further observed that, delay in the release of allocations resulted in unfinished activities and projects that are rolled over to the current Financial Year.

These roll over expenditure were not properly defended by Vote Controllers, and could also be a recipe for miss-direction of public funds.

The Committee recommends that MDAs prioritize their annual activities in order to meet key performance indicators.
[iv] The Committee also observed that, most MDAs are without Official Email addresses; rather, they have personal Email addresses.

Thus, the Committee recommends that all MDAs endeavour to have official Email addresses before the next Financial Year.

8 [v] The Committee observed separate budget line for ‘office and general’, office equipment and computers, which took chunks of MDAs allocations.
The Committee describes such as ‘duplicative expenditures’, geared towards misusing public funds, which if not addressed, could lead to more fraud and other irregularities.

Thus, the Committee recommends that the Accountant General’s Department delete the nomenclature, ‘office and general’ and replace it with a redesigned budget head that will clearly show specific item on which money was spent.
SPECIFIC FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS VOTE 404 00 MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND AVIATION Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, the Committee critically examined the 2020 FY budget allocations with the view to ascertain how prudent the Ministry utilized the said allocations.

The Committee observed that for the period under review, the Ministry of Finance allocated Le 56,370,847,000 for 2020 FY.
Based on documents presented to this Committee, the Committee observed that the Ministry undertook expenditure above its actual budget allocations.
When questioned, the Ministry explained that the differences in the allocations and the actual expenditure were as a result of funds received from the International Development Bank [IDA] World Bank to the tune of US $ 50,000,000 to undertake mobilization and professionalisation of transport services, building human capital and institutional capacity and emergency recovery under the integrated and resilient Urban Mobility project [IRUMP].
The Committee states here that the Ministry never informed Parliament with regards extra budgetary allocations and neither funding received from donors.

Following critical review of its budgetary submission for 2021 financial year, the Ministry of Finance allocated Le 54,589,200,700 to this Ministry.

After closely examining the Ministry’s proposed activities for 2021, the Committee viewed the 2021 budget allocation to this Ministry as adequate and therefore recommends its approval.
9 110 07: ANTI-CORRUPTION COMMISSION [ACC] Mr Chairman, Hon.

Members, the Anti-corruption Commission of the republic of sierra Leone was established in the year 2000 as an independent institution to lead in the fight against and control of corruption through prevention, investigation, prosecution and public education.

It has powers to investigate and punish corruption in addition to other related tools useful to detect, suppress, control and eradicate corruption.

Mr Chairman, Hon.
Mr Chairman, Hon.

Members, the Committee observed that the Anti-corruption Commission recovered Le 11,290,062,835 and transferred Le, 15,078,499,077 as revenue generated to the Consolidated Revenue Fund [CRF].

The reason as explained by the Vote Controller for transferring more than what was received was because additional properties were recovered by the Commission.

The variance of Le4bln was a brought forward from 2018 that was added to what was transferred to the CRF in 2019.
The Committee also observes that the two vouchers presented clearly accounts for the Le, 15, 078,499,077 transfers to the CRF.

Mr Chairman, Hon.

Members, for 2020 FY, the Commission submitted a total budget of Le 59, 565,265,018, but was allocated the sum of Le, 32,308,040,279 by the Ministry of Finance.

The Commission recovered the sum of Le5, 327,521,945 and Le 34,963,345 from Bank Interest, and Le 6,750,000 from Sale of Bid Documents, totalling Le37, 677,275,569 for the year under review.
The Commission also received as financial supports from donors to the tune of Le 2,921,513,600 from both UNICEF and World Bank.

For 2020 FY, the Commission expended Le4, 113,563,896 from government allocations including supplementary budgets, and Le2, 074,708,833 from donations/grants.

Therefore, for the year under review, the Commission expended in total the sum of Le 6,188,272,729 from its GoSL allocations including supplementary budgets and donations/grants received.
The Committee further notes with concern that the Commission spent only Le 527 million on community sensitisation in 2019 which was considered relatively too small for the prevention and fight against corruption.

The Committee therefore recommends that the Commission should increase the community 10 sensitisation budget in order to enable them intensify awareness-raising campaigns, resist, expose and cause action against corruption nationwide.
The Committee commends the ACC for massive recovery of funds in 2019 and 2020 in spite of the fact that it is not a revenue generating institution.

In 2020 FY, evidence tendered by the Commission disclosed that it is understaffed and could be attributed to high staff turnover due to unfavourable conditions of service.

The Commission has only sixteen [16] Public Education Officers nationwide, and Seven [7] prosecutors, but very recently, 2 resigned, with only 5 remaining.
The Committee recommends that the staff strength of ACC should be increased in order to ensure the effectiveness of the institution in both prevention and fight against corruption.

In order to effectively carry out its mandate in 2021 FY, with a budget ceiling of Le46,500,000,000, the ACC submitted a budget of Le78,326,401,156 inclusive of its wages and salaries bill to the Ministry of Finance.
The Committee was informed that the Commission would be affected by the decrease in their original budget submission for FY 2021 in the following areas:  Completion of the construction of head office;  Replacement and recruitment of additional staff to meet the volume and complexity of work; and  Acquisition/replacement of obsolete and unserviceable vehicles and furniture.

Mr Chairman, Hon.
Mr Chairman, Hon.

Members, the Commission presented relevant approved deliverables for 2021 which include but not limited to monitoring of Integrity Management Committees, systems and processes review for MDAs, community sensitisation, verification of assets declaration forms for politically and financially exposed persons, completion of headquarter office building, etc.

The ACC proposed to recruit 48 staff that would be occupying important positions in the Commission.
The Committee considers the Le8, 000,000,000.00 allocation provided to the Anti-Corruption Commission as inadequate and in that vein, recommends for supplementary.

11 VOTE 116 00: PARLIAMENT Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, in 2007 Parliament enacted a bill for the creation of a Parliamentary Service Commission [PSC].
It was established with a mandate to provide Parliament with technical and administrative support; as well as perform advisory service to enable Parliament to effectively and efficiently execute its Constitutional and other Mandates.
For the FY 2020, Parliament submitted a budget to the tune of Le 27,629,000,000 and the sum of Le37, 236,850,900 was allocated by the Ministry of Finance as the government of Sierra Leone Regular Budget and has only received to date the sum of Le 21,117,341,000.00 which is inclusive of other chargers, members facilitation, State Opening of Parliament, external grant, and sale of goods and services.
The sum of Le 21,533,121,000.00 which is inclusive of the brought forward from 2019 was expended in 2020 FY mainly on fuel, office expenses, overseas travel, DSA for Parliamentary Oversight, Legislative Services, etc.

Parliament expended on Oversight the sum of Le280, 000,000.00 in FY 2019 and as at September, 2020 Le 600,000,000.00.
For 2021 FY, Parliament submitted a budget to the tune of Le 70,026,300,000.00 but has been provided a voted sum of Le 21,904,700,000 in the Appropriation Bill of 2021 which falls way below its submission.

The Committee observed that the decrease in the budget submitted by Parliament would seriously affect its oversight role and administrative function.
After critically considering the Annual Budget Estimates for Parliament, the Committee held the view that it would be extremely difficult for the Institution as a whole Arm of Government to perform most of the activities earmarked for the financial year 2021.
The Committee also recommends that Parliament should, without further delay, ensure the full implementation of Section 74[4] of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone which states: “Members of Parliament shall be entitled to such salaries, 12 allowance, gratuities, pensions and such other benefits as may be prescribed by Parliament”.
Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, the financial autonomy of Parliament cannot be over-emphasized as it allows the institution to freely exercise the competence with which it is vested by the Constitution.

It is with regard to the forgoing that the Committee viewed the Le21, 904,774,600.00 allocation to Parliament as grossly inadequate and therefore recommends the approval of Le 70,026,300,000.00.

VOTE 141 00: AUDIT SERVICE SIERRA LEONE [ASSL] Mr Chairman, Hon.
Members, the Audit Service Sierra Leone [ASSL] as the Supreme Audit Institution [SAI] for Sierra Leone, seeks to promote accountability and good governance.

The Auditor General is mandated to carry out audits on the economy, efficiency and effectiveness with which the audited government entities use their resources in carrying out their responsibilities.

The Auditor General is the independent auditor reporting to Parliament.
Section 119 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone empowers the Auditor General to audit the public accounts of Sierra Leone and of all public offices including the courts, the central and local government administrations, the Universities and public institutions, together with statutory corporations, companies, bodies or organisations set up partly or wholly out of public funds.

Mr Chairman, Hon.
Mr Chairman, Hon.

Members, in 2019 FY, the Audit Service Sierra Leone submitted a budget of Le10,680, 455,380 to the Ministry of Finance, but was allocated with Le 6,347,566,666.

In 2020 FY, the ASSL submitted Le 6,992,179747 to Ministry of Finance, but was allocated with Le5, 435,390,550 for implementation of its assigned activities.

Mr Chairman, Hon.

Members, in 2019, the ASSL set the sum of Le2,295,418,750 as revenue target and collected Le 1,628,410,000.
Out of the total amount generated in 2019 FY, Le477, 397,500 was transferred to the CRF, and Le1, 151,012,500 was retained by the ASSL.

In 2019 FY, the ASSL received the total sum of Le 35,762,472,258 as GoSL regular budget and audit fees and expended the total sum 13 of Le37, 756,953,616.

The ASSL utilised Le6, 983,387,096.95 mainly on administrative cost and other various audit exercises.
The Committee requested for further breakdown of the Le 280,340,000 expended on audit of MDAs (Performance Audit, DSA and printing of Performance Audit Reports].

In 2020 FY, the ASSL sets Le 1,855,875,000 as its revenue target, but collected Le, 1,392,850,000 from auditing fees.

In 2020, the ASSL received a total sum of Le 36,086,937,011 from GoSL regular budgets, audit fees and sales of bid documents.

From the revenues generated in 2020, the ASSL expended the total sum of Le 29,718,514,072.
The sum of Le5, 480,178,578.25 was utilised mainly on administrative cost and various audit exercises.

ASSL generates its revenue mainly from Auditing Fees paid by MDAs.

In 2019, it generated from auditing fees Le1, 628,410,000, and Le1, 392, 850,000 in 2020 FY.
The Committee observed that the ASSL could not meet its target for 2019 and 2020 FYs as a result of the following:  Unavailability of some auditees;  Poor cooperation on the part of the audited MDAs to honour their obligations upon the receipt of invoices and reminders;  Delay in the release of allocation to some MDAs;  COVID 19 pandemic;  Poor cooperation on the part of the audited MDAs to honour their obligations upon receipt of invoices and reminders; and  Delay in the release of allocation to some MDAs.
The major capital project embarked by the Office in 2019 and 2020 is the Office Building construction at Tower Hill with a revised cost of Le26, 279,534,488.35.

To date, the total amount disbursed in respect of the project is Le 11,618,336,976 leaving an outstanding balance of Le14, 661,197,512.

The approved budget for the capital project is Le4.1 billion but no funds were received since 2nd quarter of 2018 to 2019 in respect of the ASSL office Building.
The office has made several futile attempts to solicit funds which accounts for the delays in completion of the project.

14 The Vote Controller also reported as a matter of serious concern that internal auditors are better off in terms of salaries than external auditors.

The Committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance strongly consider reviewing and improving remuneration of the Auditor General and staff of the Audit Service Sierra Leone [External Auditors] without further delay.
As a way of effectively and efficiently carry out its activities, the Audit Service Sierra Leone submitted a budget of Le11,716,068,263 to the Ministry of Finance for implementation of its planned activities in 2021 FY.

However, the sum of Le10, 410,589,800.00 was allocated to the Audit Service Sierra Leone for the FY 2021.

The projected revenue target of the Office for the FY 2021 amounted to Le2, 062,300,000.
The Audit Service Sierra Leone proposed to recruit 15 staff in 2021 three of which are Senior Auditors without ACCA, eleven Auditors, and one ICT Technician.

The ASSA budgeted Le49, 547,329,624 for staff salary.

The planned expenditure for 2021 on allowances is Le19, 981,090,364.00 and Le49, 547,329,624.00 on personal emoluments.

The Committee is of the view that the Le10, 410,589,800.00 allocation provided to the Audit Service Sierra Leone is inadequate and in this vein, recommends for supplementary.
VOTE 141 00: GOVERNMENT PRINTING DEPARTMENT Mr Chairman, Hon.

Members, the Government Printing Department is charged with the responsibility of printing all government documents supervised by the Government Printer whilst the commercial arm undertake printing activities that will encourage both the government and the private sector to print documents and other materials such as exercise books, text books etc.
The Department most times prints government legislations (Bills, Acts, Statutory documents, etc.].

Therefore, the chunk of the materials being procured goes to the printing of government legislations.

15 Mr Chairman, Hon.

Members, in 2020 FY, the Government Printing Department submitted to the Ministry of Finance a budget of Le 3,203,300,000 but the sum of Le1,142,000,000 was actually approved showing an increment of Le129, 900 on the approved budget as compared to that of 2019 FY.
The Department received 100% of their approved budget for 2020 FY, and expended 100% of that amount received.

The Department did not receive any amount in the form of donations or grants in 2020 and utilised its funds mainly on recurrent expenditures, and no capital project was undertaken during the 2019 and 2020 FYs.

The Department has no provision for retention percentage of its revenue generated since all fees are directly paid into the consolidated revenue fund.
The Committee observes that the Government Printing Department is seriously understaffed, and therefore recommends that it is fully resourced with human and material resources in order to ensure timely and effective production of documents.

Mr Chairman, Hon.
Mr Chairman, Hon.

Members, challenges reported by the Department includes but not limited to:  vacant positions in the Administrative, Printing and Binding division as a result of high number of retirees;  Lack of professional trainings for staff;  cumulative debt of Le, 306,200,000 since 2019 to 2020 FY; and  Lack of General Maintenance of Machinery.
The Committee recommends that the gaps created by retired personnel and vacant positions be filled as a matter of urgency and scholarships for competent personnel to further improve their educational background in courses related to Printing, Production and Maintenance Management be provided for the Department.

For the 2021 FY, the Government Printing Department projects to generate the sum of Le340, 000,000 as revenue.
In order for the Government Printing Department to smoothly and effectively carryout its duties for which it was established, a budget to the 16 tune of Le3,427,700,000 was submitted to the Ministry of Finance and Le2,415,952,000.00 has been allocated to them.
Mr Chairman, since the Government Printing Department has no other available sources of revenue for 2021 FY, the Committee recommends that more funds be allocated to this Department in order to establish branches in the various districts thereby broadening its revenue generation streams.

Mr Chairman, Hon.

Members, of its total budget for the FY 2021, Le452, 125,545 thereof is allocated for payment of salaries to 45 staff.
The approved deliverables reported by the Department for 2021 FY are:  Production of Annual Volumes of Legislations;  Achievement of 12% of total budget ceiling [Le, 3,427,700,009];  Training of 5 Government Printing Personnel on core operations of the Department; and  The Acquisition of one more [fast printing] Machinery.

The Committee is of the view that the Le2, 415,952,000.00 allocation provided to the Government Printing Department is inadequate and in that vein, recommends for supplementary.
VOTE 142 00: NATIONAL PUBLIC PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY [NPPA] Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, the National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) was established by an Act of Parliament in 2004 and was recently reviewed in 2016.

The mandate of the Authority is to regulate and harmonise public procurement processes in the Public Service, to decentralise public procurement to procuring entities and to promote economic development by ensuring value for money in public expenditure.
In 2020 FY, even though its budget ceiling was 3,367,900,000, the NPPA made an original budget submission of Le 9,316,100,000.

The actual amount allocated was Le 2,247,700,000 and it received the sum Le 4,769,240285.42 from the Ministry of Finance.

The Committee observed that the decrease in the budget greatly affected it proposed deliverables for the year under review.
17 In 2021 FY, the Authority made a budget submission of Le 9,996,200,000 and the Ministry of Financed approved the sum of Le3, 500,000,000 for the year under review.

The Committee held the view that the 2021 budget allocation of Le3, 500,000,000 to the Commission is fairly adequate and therefore recommends its approval.

VOTE142 00: SIERRA LEONE MARITIME ADMINISTRATION [SLMARAD] Mr Chairman, Hon.
Members, the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration [SLMARAD] is an autonomous body responsible for the registration of ships and other vessels, the licensing and safety of maritime personnel, protection of the marine environment and for the regulation and development generally of maritime, coastal and inland transport and for other matters connected therewith.
For the FY 2020, as a revenue generating institution, the Administration submitted to the Ministry of Finance a budget on revenue mobilisation to the tune of Le 84,679,651,214.76 for the FY 2020 and was allocated with Le33, 872,000,000.00.

Mr Chairman, Hon.

Members, in July 2020, the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration spent Le 5,214,834,599.53 out of its allocation on massive capital development projects.
The current administration of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration inherited a contract to the tune Le 1.8 billion with G4S in respect of salaries for five [5] private security personnel annually.

However, this contact has been cancelled and now recruited twelve [12] personnel on permanent basis with a budgeted salary cost of Le1.2 billion for security services making an annual savings to the tune of Le800, 000,000.
For the FY 2020, the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration’s projected revenue was Le63.1 billion and actually generated to date Le49.1 billion.

The Administration is yet to achieve its revenue target because ships were not forthcoming due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Another challenge faced by the Administration was failure to understand by some MDAs the core mandate of the Administration.

The Administration has not been 18 receiving payments in respect of taxes for ships.
According to the Vote Controller, the Administration receives 45% of every registered boat, and 55% goes to the company as the sharing ratio.

He added that, there are vessels using the flag of Sierra Leone as a flag of convenience and also use fake certificates.

The Vote Controller promised to work hard to withdraw those fake certificates.

The Committee demanded a comprehensive breakdown of all revenue generation sources and contract documents with those companies for further probing.
The Committee also requested adverts in respect of all contracts above Le100, 000,000.

Committee observed that the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration made major transformation in the revenue management for the years under review.
The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration generates its revenues from the following streams: Freit Levy, International Ship Register, Boat Licenses, Coxswain Licenses, Tonnage Tax, Charges on Seaman Discharge Book, Income from Rents, Charges on the Sale Bid Documents and Sale of Life Jackets, Charges on the registration of Shipping companies, Out ton of exports, Out ton on import, Licenses of boats Masters, Registration of corporate and limited liability companies, Tonnage of landed fish for trawler fishing vessels, Tonnage of Fish shipped out of Sierra Leone via transshipment, Bunkering services, International Ship and Port Facility Security, Registration of boatyard/boat repair yard, Operational fee, Licenses of Pilots and commence the Registration of Sea fares, Soliciting FUNDS, and equipment and tools for CSR.
The Committee further noted that whatever Sierra Leone Maritime Administration generates 20% goes to CRF, and 80% goes to the Administration as retention.

The Committee was informed that the Administration is in the process of drafting one of their International Conventions which will be soon brought to Parliament for enactment.
The Administration, as a revenue generating institution, submitted to the Ministry of Finance a budget on revenue mobilisation to the tune of Le67.8 billion for the FY 2021 and has been allocated with Le40, 650,851,300.00.

For the FY 2021, the Administration assured the Committee of exceeding its revenue target of Le67.8 billion because of re-registration of vessels and recoveries from defaulters.
The 19 proposed key deliverables of the Administration for the year 2021 are the construction of a Search and Rescue Centre and Construction of a Mariner.

The Committee considered the Le 40,650,851,300.00 allocations for the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration as adequate and recommends its approval.

VOTE: 408 00: Mr Chairman, Hon.


Members, the Ministry of Works and Public Assets is responsible for MINISTRY OF WORKS AND PUBLIC ASSETS the Development of appropriate policies and programmes for the improvement of public infrastructure including housing and construction and maintenance of Government Buildings.

The Ministry of Works and Public Assets was allocated with Le 14,834,777,815.50 in 2019 FY, and Le5, 481,638,717.00 for 2020 FY.
For 2019 FY, the Ministry received the sum of Le12, 949,300,000 as GoSL Regular Budget, and expended Le10.5 billion.

For 2020 FY, the Ministry received the sum of Le7, 145,000,000 as GoSL regular budget and expended Le5, 481,638,717.00.

However, no additional funding was received as GoSL supplementary budget, donations/grants/loans for the years under review.
The major revenue sources reported by the Ministry are registration of Contractors, Quarry Operations Licenses, Petroleum Storage Certificate, Carpentry Workshop, Mechanical Workshop, Yuoyi Building Canteen, Miatta Conference Hall, Warehouse/Lease rent.

However, the Committee observes that the Ministry has not been setting any revenue target from the various revenue streams reported for 2019, 2020 and 2021 FYs.
Fees for related revenue streams are paid directly into the Consolidated Revenue Fund [CRF] by the clients and evidence of such payments are submitted to the National Revenue Authority [NRA] officer assigned to the Ministry.

Proceeds arising from the use/hire of the Miatta Conference hall are paid directly by clients into the Ministry’s designated account at the Bank of Sierra Leone.
The Committee requested for submission detailed breakdown of revenue received on those 20 sources listed above from 2019 to date and evidence of all payments made by clients to the NRA officer.

The major capital/development activities embarked by the Ministry in 2020 FY are rehabilitation of Miatta Conference Hall, Youyi Building, Magistrate Court Building, three [3] storey building at State House, Manor River Union government quarters, Presidential lodges in Kenema, Kabala, Makeni and Freetown.
The Committee therefore, recommends for submission of detailed breakdown of all projects undertaken by the Ministry with supporting documents for further probing and on-the- spot checks on those projects.

The Ministry of Works and Public Assets in order to carry out its intended activities in 2021, submitted a budget to the tune of Le34,492,400,000 and only Le12,664,264,400 has been allocated.
However, the ministry highlighted the following as areas that would be seriously affected by the decrease in their budget submitted for FY 2021:  Construction of Government Buildings;  Rehabilitation of Buildings including Quarters;  Effective Monitoring and Evaluation of Construction and Rehabilitation Projects;  Rents and Rates;  Payment of Electricity and Water Bills to Youyi Building;  Verification of Government Quarters;  Supervision of Quarter Operations and Petroleum Storage Facilities; and  Cleaning and Security Services to Ministry of Works and Public Assets and Youyi Building.
The Ministry further reported the following as approved deliverables for 2021:  Restructuring of the Ministry and SLRA;  Operationalisation of the Facility Management Directorate and the Works Project Implementation and Monitoring Unit  Verification and Validation of the Report on Nationwide Public Assets; 21  Establishing an Electronic Data Base System that encompasses an Electronic Assets and Records Management System;  Completion of the Bo Magistrate Court and Rehabilitation of twelve (12) Government Quarters; and  Recruitment of a total number of 152 staff in 2021 as part of its man power capacity plan.
The Committee holds the view that the Le12, 664,264,400 allocation to this Ministry is inadequate to finance its activities and that there is the need for Government to adequately support them by way of supplementary budget during the course of the year if any.

VOTE: 411 00: ROAD MAINTENANCE FUND ADMINISTRATION The Road Maintenance Fund Administration [RMFA] was established by the RMFA Act No.

3 of 2010 for financing the maintenance of the core road network.
The objective is to set up an independent administration to ensure the proper, efficient, economic and sustainable management of the Road Fund dedicated for maintenance of the national road network.

In 2020 FY, the RMFA income received from its allocation amounted to Le79, 208,088,092, and expended Le 64,625,216,413.
Reasons provided by the Vote Controller for the drop in revenue generation were due to the fall in sales volumes of fuel by Oil Marketing Companies [OMCs), the effects of COVID 19 pandemic [lockdown] and government subsidies to the OMCs.

The Committee observed that there was a drop in revenue generation in 2020 and advised that more robust measures be put in place in order to increase revenue generation.
In 2019 and 2020 FYs, the revenue streams for the RMFA are mainly from fuel levy, Registration and Licensing of vehicles and payments by Utility Companies.

The Administration receives no donor funding support and receives only 10% of the monies collected as retention.

Based on international best practice, the Administration is supposed to be receiving USD12 Cents per litter but practically receives at the moment USD3 Cents as fuel levy per litter which is way below the international standards.
In 22 addition, the RMFA is currently challenged with the Lack of a comprehensive data set from SLRSA in verifying actual vehicle registration and license fees collected.

For the FY 2021, the RMFA submitted a budget of Le 151bln, but has been allocated with Le124, 947,441,800.
In 2021, as its planned key deliverables, the RMFA intends to:  work closely with SLRA, Local Councils, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Works and Public Assets and other relevant stakeholders on a comprehensive road infrastructure Strategic Plan [2020-2023];  continue engaging government at all levels to completely own rehabilitation and reconstruction projects thereby allowing RMFA to focus on routine and periodic maintenance in accordance with the RMFA Act, 2010; and  engage the SLRA to improve performance based road contracts, thereby increasing efficiency.
The RMFA also plans to work with key stakeholders to implement priority areas of the Presidential Task Force on the road sector.

In view of the above, the Committee recommends that:  the RMFA drafts a statutory document for an increment of the percentage share from moneys collected on fuel levies and ensure full representation at the collection spots; and  the Le124, 947,441,800 be approved by this Honourable House.

VOTE: VARIOUS: SIERRA LEONE ROADS AUTHORITY Mr Chairman, Hon.
Members, the Sierra Leone Roads Authority [SLRA] was established by an act of Parliament to control, develop, maintain, efficient planning and reliable management of the national road network and provide safe, reliable and sustainable means of transport.
The two [2] major sources of funding of the Sierra Leone Roads Authority are:  the GoSL funding for capital projects, counterpart expenses including payments to Property Affected Persons, land acquisition/land lease, quarry sites and borrow pits; and 23  Road Maintenance Fund Administration which is principally for road maintenance activities and operational/administrative expenses.
In 2020 FY, the sum of Le6, 426,374,188 was received by the Authority and expended Le6, 175,924,959 mainly on operational cost, sundry income and road maintenance activities.

Counterpart funding received in 2019 FY amounted to Le30, 074,273,519 and Le7, 874,910,428 in 2020 FY.

Total road works expenditure amounted to Le39, 992,989,956 in 2019 FY and Le12, 490,420,725 in 2020 FY.

Closing balance of 2019 brought forward to 2020 amounted to Le5, 686,697,570.
The SLRA generates its revenue for FYs under review mainly from Registration and renewal of certificates of contractors/suppliers/consultants, Sale of Bid documents, Disposal of serviceable vehicles, Right of Way (ROW)/land lease, and Trench Reinstatement.

In 2019 FY, the SLRA projected Le1, 259,500,000 as its revenue target, but exceeded that amount by generating the sum of Le1, 421,385,745.
In 2020 FY, the projected revenue of SLRA is Le1, 481, 000,000 but received to date Le257, 085,188 which fall way below its target.

The reason provided for not meeting the set target is the change in government policy on preservation of ROW.
The counterpart funding received were mainly utilised on the payment of compensation on various road projects, payment of management supervision, monitoring, preparation of reports on road projects, and consultancy for feasibility studies on the Kailahun to Koidu Road.

The Committee was also informed that payment for trench excavation is presumably done by RMFA, but no bank advice/statements were provided.
The SLRA submitted an original budget of Le206, 159,164,000 to Ministry of Finance but the sum of Le97, 210,060,000 has been allocated for the FY 2021.

The decrease in the Authority’s budget will limit its scope of operations, planned road maintenance activities, recruitment, training, and motivation of staff.
The Authority mentioned the following financial challenges:  The actual amount received for expenditure falls below the amount approved in the budget, and mostly not provided on time which seriously affected implementation schedule for projects; 24  The direct payment by the Road Maintenance Fund Administration to contractors has been adversely affecting the financial reporting of maintenance activities.
With the International Public Sector Accounting Standard [IPSAS] cash based reporting, amounts paid by the RMFA directly to contractors give rise to under reporting of road maintenance activities by the SLRA;  The bureaucracy in implementation of projects mostly impedes their timely completion.
The delays in payments to contractors sometimes affects the projects timeline since it involves writing first to the Ministry of Works who in turn writes to the RMFA on behalf of the SLRA;  Since the SLRA is not paying contractors directly, it finds it difficult to exercise control over them.

The authority prepares it budget based on its strategic plan, whilst payments from the budget are done by RMFA as the third party;  Utility companies such as GUMA, Sierratel, EDSA, etc.
mostly request for permission from the SLRA to excavate road and the Authority in turn bill them for trench reinstatement.

However, payments by utility companies for trench reinstatement are not done to the SLRA.
The Authority therefore has to use its meagre resources either from the road maintenance budget or from the operational cost to reinstate the trench; and  The operational cost of Le2billion allocated to the SLRA is relatively small for the Authority to be able to take care of its expenses associated with normal business operations on a day-to-day basis.
In view of the foregoing, the Committee therefore, recommends that:  Through concerted efforts of key stakeholders such as the Parliamentary Committee on Works and Public Assets and the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, recommendations of the independent Technical Team(as contained in the Procedure Manual for funding of the National Road Network) that was constituted after the Bo Retreat in February 2019, under the auspices of the Ministry with major stakeholders in attendance should be fully implemented; 25  The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Works and Public Assets should serve as moral guarantors in the signing of a Performance contract for both the SLRA and RMFA detailing the responsibilities of each party; and The Ministry of Finance should consider reviewing the FY 2021 operational cost budget of the SLRA in order to enable them meet its expenses associated with normal business operations on a day-to-day basis.
 VOTE: 110 01: NATIONAL ASSET & GOVERNMENT PROPERTY COMMISSION Mr Chairman, Hon.

Members, the National Assets and Government’s Property Commission was established by an act of Parliament in 1990 to control and identify all national assets and government’s property, provide for the maintenance and improvement of such property and the monitoring of their used or disposal, and for connected purposes.

The Commission is directly under the control of the Office of the President.
The Commission establishes and maintains a national Register of all national assets and Government’s property to be known as the Master Register which shall contain a list of all national assets.

In 2020 FY, the Commission received Le351, 100,000 as GoSL Regular budget and expended in total the sum of Le546, 990,400 which is inclusive of the funds rolled over from 2019.
The Commission also reported receipt of a total income of Le103, 200,000 as rent received from confiscated properties but paid directly into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

The Commission is challenged by the delay in payment of rent for confiscated properties, and transfer of mandate from the Ministry of Finance to do custom auction in their revenue generation.

Mr. Chairman, Hon.
Mr. Chairman, Hon.

Members, the Committee notes with utmost concern that, there was no opening balance for 2020 FY for both the Imprest Account [0112005463] and the Confiscated Assets Account [1100601].

The Committee therefore demanded detailed evidences [bank statements] which they did and verified.

The only revenue stream for this Commission is the rent collected from tenants occupying confiscated properties.

The Commission has been able to exceed its revenue targets for 2019 and 2020 FYs.
In 2019 FY, the revenue target was set at Le100, 26 000,000, but collected revenue to the tune of Le188, 500,000.

For 2020 FY, the projected revenue was Le100, 000,000, but collected Le103, 200,000.

The reason given by the Vote Controller for such achievement was as a result of robust revenue collection mechanisms instituted by the Commission.

The Committee notes with concern that there were fluctuations in the revenues generated for the years under review.
There was a drop in revenue generation in 2020 FY compared to that of 2019 FY.

The Vote Controller assured the Committee of collecting more revenue from rent before the end of the year as some tenants are yet to pay.

The Committee also notes with dismay that the Commission has never been allocated with any amount as retention percentage from the revenue collected.
The Commission’s Budget Ceiling set by the Ministry of Finance for 2021 FY is Le1, 442,200,000 but submitted a budget of Le2, 016, 900,000 and the sum of Le1, 000,000,000 has been allocated.

For 2021, the Commission projected revenue of Le150, 000,000.
The key deliverables set to be achieved by Commission in 2021 FY are:  Setting up of a Committee that would look into challenges faced as an institution and embark on a proper review process;  Development of a National Assets Register; and  Development of projects proposals to attract donor funding since the GoSL allocation is relatively small for implementation of its activities.

The Committee viewed the Commission’s 2021 allocation as adequate and therefore recommends for its approval.
The Committee also recommends that the Commission drafts a statutory document on percentage to be retained from own source revenue.

VOTE [319-00] MINISTRY OF GENDER AND CHILDREN’S AFFAIRS Mr Chairman, Hon.

Members, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs is mandated to lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the policy and legal framework for issues relating to women and children below age 18.
The Ministry was 27 established as the national machinery for the promotion of gender equality, women and children’s wellbeing.

Consistent with its mandate, the Ministry has made strides to achieve several objectives with key deliverables including, but not limited to formulation of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy which was launched on the 3rd of December 2020, implementation and monitoring of the policy and legal framework for issues relating to women and children below 18 years of age.
Also addresses issues of violence by creating the Rape Hot Line and the Sexual and Gender Base One-Stop Centres in 6 Districts across the country; ensuring gender and child responsiveness and protection; liaise with development agencies and NGOs addressing the needs of Women and Children.

In 2020 FY, with the split from the Ministry of Social welfare, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs received to the tune of Le1, 805,752,520 as allocation for Q1 to Q3 with no supplementary budget.
The Ministry expended in total Le 1,474,281,462 and Le 757,823,837 from government allocations and donations received respectively.

Probing on the Ministry’s expenditure and based on answers provided in the questionnaire submitted, the Committee noted that the Ministry undertook a capital project named Business Incubator for African Women Entrepreneurs Project which was donor sponsored.
When queried to justify the deliverables outlined by the PS, It was also observed that the Ministry expended huge amount on administrative cost [Office and General expenses, fuel and electricity] compared to the other deliverables on Gender and women empowerment programmes and that of child protection.

For 2021 FY, the Ministry however submitted a budget proposal of Le 24, 003,400.00, but was allocated Le 3,000,000,000.00.
The PS stated that the decrease would affect the operational and running cost of the Ministry, strengthening of the SGBV response mechanism, the operation of the SGBV one stop centres and the 116 rape hot line for SGBV reporting, develop and enact legislations and Policies for gender equality and women empowerment, review and implement the Child Protection Policies and Laws.
The Committee recommends that a supplementary budget be allocated to the ministry in order to have a good number of the above mentioned planned 28 activities achieved.

Consequently, the Committee also cautions the Ministry to prioritize their activities in order to meet key performance indicators.

Further into the hearings, the Committee observed that the Ministry has inadequate staffing; a Staff strength of 69 which is way below standard for effective performance of the Ministry’s duties nationwide.
The Committee therefore recommends that the Ministry of Finance fast track the approval of staffing allocation sent by the Ministry of Gender to the HRMO.

Another challenge observed is lack of office space; having three Senior Staff and Professional Heads in one office Room.

The Committee recommends that a follow up meeting be held in consultation with the Ministry of Works and Public Asset for the allocation of a conducive and enough office space to the Ministry.
In his submission, the Director of Children’s Affair at the Ministry expressed dissatisfaction over the duplication of roles with the Ministry of Social welfare.

He emphasized that despite the clarity of mandate between the Ministry of Social Welfare and that of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, yet, their greatest challenge is having their projects/activities being performed by the Ministry of Social Welfare.
The Committee therefore recommends for the introduction of a legislation that would clearly distinguish the mandate/operations of the Ministry of Social Welfare and that of the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs.

The Committee deemed the Le 3,000,000,000 allocation to this Ministry as inadequate and therefore recommends a Supplementary budget so as to be able to cater for public debts/liabilities owed by the Ministry.
VOTE [319-01] NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR CHILDREN [NCC] Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, the National Commission for Children was established by an Act of Parliament with a statutory mandate to monitor and coordinate the implementation of the Convention on the rights of Children and the African Charter on the rights and welfare of children in order to oversee the implementation of Part III 29 of the Child Rights Act of 2007.
It advises Government on policies and aimed at improving the condition and welfare of children in Sierra Leone compatible with the Convention and the Charter.

The National Children’s Commission was allocated the sum of Le 1,300,400,000 in 2020, but received Le, 1,067,400,000.

The Committee however recommends that the Ministry of Finance ensures that it releases quarterly allocations on time.
Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, the Commission further received donor funds to the tune of Le 512,829,000 for FY 2019 and Le 98,740,000 for FY 2020 from different development partners.

Donor funds received amount to the total of Le 611,569,000 for the years under review and were used mainly for the intended purpose as seen in Table 1 below.

Table 2- Details of programmes/project for which donations received were utilized for FY 2020.
2020 UNICEF 91,690,000 Support to raise awareness on COVID -19 on the commemoration of the day of the African Child World Hope 7,050,000 Support to raise awareness on COVID -19 on the International commemoration of the day of the African Child Source: 2020 Appropriation Questionnaire The Commissioner, when queried to provide explanation on how those donor funds were expended in achieving the outlined purpose as seen in Table 2 above, responded that the amount under consideration was spent on activities such as:  Inspection and validation meetings with consultant and stakeholders, community engagement [CSOs, Social Workers, Police, etc.]
 Project management cost and consultancy  Engagement with pupils in Freetown, Bo, Kenema and Makeni  Production of 90minutes TV Variety shows and printing of media advertorials 30  Popularisation of NCC COVID-19 song, administrative and running cost and also allowances for panellists.

The PS revealed that Donor organizations most times use the Commission to get their operations and objectives done, and that all the funds were expended with the approval of the Donors.
Furthermore, she said for some of the donations received, the Commission developed Concept notes for the implementation of those projects which were done in tandem with consultancies contracted by the donors.

She said the Commission was only there to provide lead in the research work conducted and that the Commission was used as a conduit pipe to get the Donors’ objectives achieved.

She said payments to those consultancies were done in tranches.
The Committee therefore recommends that in future, the Commission should provide adequate budget to take care of such emerging issues.

The Committee, during the probing exercise noted that the Commission expended the total sum of Le 1,641,088,690 from government allocation and Le 512,829,000 from donations received for the FY 2019.
Actual expenditure for the Financial Year 2020 by the Commission amounted to Le 1,236,420,785 from government allocations and Le 98,740,000 from donations for Q1 to date and for which the Committee observed that huge amount was spent on Administrative Cost.

The Committee recommends that the Commission works towards lowering their administrative costs.
The Commissioner mentioned that Le 9,540,100,000 was submitted to the Ministry of Finance because of the nature of activities and operations it intends to perform for the FY 2021, a budget of Le 1,000,000,000 was allocated, but the Commissioner stated that the decrease would affect the effective and efficient operations of the following activities of the Commission Nationwide:  Monitoring, assessing and reporting the impact of violence against children, SGBV, Juvenile justice, HIV/AIDS, COVID 19, early marriage, child trafficking, labour and children with disabilities.
 The development of child friendly instruments [the sexual offences act, CRA Act 2007, Disability Act] 31  Nationwide awareness raising and sensitization on Child right instruments and practices  Prepare extensive nationwide data collection of child-led and child-focused organisations  Child participation and advocacy [commemoration of 5 key instrument child advocacy events, innovations and technology] The Committee further observed from the review of the filled questionnaire and its engagement with the Vote Controller that the Commission is using a single sourcing procurement procedure; instead of open competitive method, but the Vote Controller responded, ‘it was just for the provision of internet which was needed under emergency’.
The Committee recommends that RFQ procedure be used and a specialised Procurement Officer be hired to handle the Commission’s procurement processes.

The Committee deemed the Le 1,000,000,000 allocation inadequate and therefore recommends a supplementary budget.

VOTE 128 00: MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION [MFAIC] Mr Chairman, Hon.
Members, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation is the principal advisory agency of Government on matters relating to the formulation and implementation of the foreign policy objectives of the Country in accordance with the generality of Section 10 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone [Act .No 6 of 1991] and in consistent with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic as well as Consular Relations.
In addition to the above, the mandate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation also includes the promotion of Sierra Leone’s interest, her voice, legitimacy and representation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

Mr Chairman, Hon.

Members, for the Financial Year 2020, the Ministry made an original budget submission of Le 99,600,000,000.00.
After review by the Ministry of Finance, the sum of Le 91,200,000,000.00 was approved by Parliament as allocation to the Ministry for the period under review.

In the course of the Financial Year, 2020, the 32 Ministry admitted receipt of Le 77,400,000,000.00 as actual allocation from Government Regular Budget.

In addition, the Ministry received grants as donor funding to the tune of Le 1,300,000,000.00.
To achieve its objectives in 2020, the Ministry expended Le 67,900,000,000.00 from both its regular budget and donor funding.

In its efforts to mobilise revenue on behalf of Government, the Ministry generated $202,442 and £180,000 as consular fees across its embassies abroad.

These monies, according to the Ministry, were remitted to the consolidated revenue funds.

Commenting on its revenue in 2020, the Ministry disclosed that the fall in its revenue was as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic.
For 2021 FY, the Ministry submitted an original budget of Le 111,100,000,000.00 to the Ministry of Finance.

Following review on its submission, the sum of Le 94,900,000,000.00 has been proposed as an allocation to the Ministry subject to Parliamentary approval.
Mr Chairman, Honourable Members during the sub-appropriation hearings the Committee observed that a decrease in the allocation of the Ministry’s budget would affect the following areas:  Movement of Diplomatic Staff;  Fuel  Overseas Travelling  Local Travelling  License of Ministries Vehicles  Diplomatic Corp Activities; and  Accommodation for High Commissions/Embassies.

Etc.
Etc.

 Vehicle Maintenance,  Utilities  Official Receptions /Hospitalities  Diplomatic Corps activities In view of the above and considering the Ministry’s importance in promoting the Country’s foreign policy objectives and the opening of new Embassies in 33 Morocco and Turkey, the Committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance maintains the Ministry’s original budget submission of Le 111,100,000,000.
VOTE 310 00 MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, the Ministry of Youth Affairs was established to identify and address the numerous challenges of youth unemployment in Sierra Leone.

It core functions and mandates include the formulation and implementation of policies that are geared towards youth empowerment and self-reliance for sustainable development and inclusive growth of the youth population in Sierra Leone.
Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, for the Financial Year 2020, the Ministry of Youth Affairs submitted an original budget estimates of Le 187,562918,749.86 including recurrent and domestic finance projects.

On the advice of the Ministry of Finance a budget ceiling of Le 5,469,000,000.00 was set for the Ministry.

After further review, the sum of Le 5,442,472,500 was approved by Parliament as allocation for the Financial Year, 2020.
In line with its proposed youth development activities, the Ministry confirmed receipt and utilised Le 3,657,695,477.72 from Government allocations and donor support.

In addition, the Ministry further expended Le 5,138,701,160 on such projects like car wash, youth entrepreneurship, youth commercial transportation, youth in agriculture, youth in fisheries, etc.

For 2021 FY, this Ministry was allocated the sum of Le 2,802,307,079.00.
Mindful of the Ministry’s role in minimising youth unemployment and aiding the implementation of current programmes and projects being outlined for implementation in 2021, the Committee considers the proposed allocation to the Ministry of Youth Affairs as inadequate.

In view of the above, the Committee recommends that the Ministry of Finance provide a supplementary to this Ministry during the course of the Financial Year, 2021.

VOTE 310-01 - THE NATIONAL YOUTH COMMISSION 34 Mr Chairman, Hon.
Members, the National Youth Commission was established by the Government of Sierra Leone through an Act of Parliament in 2009.

The Commission is a corporate body with an objective of empowering the youths to develop their potentials, creativity and skills for national development.

In 2020 FY, the National Youth Commission made a budget submission of Le 4,933,400,000.00 to the Ministry of Finance.
In his statement to Parliament, the Minister of Finance presented Le 3,283,400,000 as allocation to the Commission.

Of this amount, the Commission admitted receipt of Le 4,686,136,048 from Government Regular Budget and development partners.

Probing into the Commission’s expenditure for the same period, the Committee observed that the sum of Le 4,685,444,753.00 was utilised by the Commission on various activities and programmes aimed at achieving the core objectives of the Commission.
For the Financial Year 2021, the Ministry of Finance has proposed to allocate the sum of Le 3,000,000,000.00 following approval by Parliament.

Against this background and mindful of the Commission’s role in addressing youth employment issues, among others, the Committee views the said allocation as inadequate and recommends a supplementary budget for the Institution during the course of the Financial Year.
VOTE 313 00 NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, the National Youth Service is a Government Agency established by an Act of Parliament to create the enabling environment for young graduates to develop their skills and utilize their full potentials, minimize graduate youth unemployment, build social inclusion and national cohesion.
In 2020 FY, the National Youth Service submitted an original budget of Le 24,095,200,000.00 to the Ministry of Finance, but was allocated the sum of Le 1,732,500,000.

In the course of implementing the national budget, the Institution admitted receipt of Le 4,002,896,500.00 from Government Regular budget, donations, grants and other sources.
The Institution expended Le 3,985,450,000.00 35 to cover wide range of its development activities with a closing balance of Le 17,446,500.00 as at September, 30th 2020.

For 2021 FY, the Ministry of Finance has allocated the sum of Le 2,500,000,000.00 to the Institution subject to Parliamentary approval.
In recognition of the crucial role of the Institution under review in nurturing the potentials of young graduates, the Committee is of the view that there is a need for the 2021 budget to the Youth Service to be increased.

The Committee therefore recommends that the budgetary estimates of the Youth Service for the Financial Year, 2021 be reviewed upward to enable the Institution achieve its intended objectives.
14 VOTE 302 00 MINISTRY OF SPORTS Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, the Ministry of Sports was established to design and develop appropriate policies and programmes that will ensure and promote sports throughout the Country, promote the physical and psychological wellbeing of Sierra Leoneans.
Their mandates include developing the capacity of youths and young adults engaged in sports to attain excellence at national and international competitions and to engender the spirit of healthy competition, unity and love among the citizenry.

Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, in the Financial Year 2020, the Ministry of Sports made an original budgetary submission of Le 41,363,000,000.03 but the Ministry of Finance allocated Le 16,611,000,000.03 after approval by Parliament.
Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, the total expenditure of the Ministry as at September 30th, 2020, was Le 4,365,969,964.00.

According to the Ministry, the money under review was expended on the following activities: administrative cost, participation in international and national competitions.

For the Financial Year 2021, the Ministry of Finance has allocated the sum of Le 3,685,452,700.00 subject to its approval by Parliament.
36 Giving the critical role of sports in fostering peace and national cohesion, creation of jobs, especially for the youths, the Committee is of the view that the 2021 proposed budget to the Ministry requires an upward review.

The Committee recommends that the said allocation be increased through supplementary budget during the course of the Financial Year.

VOTE 401- 00 - MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY.
Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry was established to formulate agricultural development policies, and advise the Government on such policies relating to its administration and management of the agricultural sector of Sierra Leone’s economy.

In 2020 FY, Parliament approved Le 38,925,720,700 from an original budget submission of Le 144,161,100,000.

The ministry also received an enhancement budget of Le 106,917,800,000 that was given towards the payment of tractors.
Actual expenditure from allocation amounted to Le 118,733,300,000 and from Donor funding is Le 1,558,400,000.

For 2021 FY, with no budget ceiling, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry submitted a budget of Le 191,169,700,000 to the Ministry of Finance; however, an allocated sum Le 31,529,058,900 as stated on the Appropriation Bill awaits Parliament’s approval.

The revenue target is set at Le 600,000,000.


During the hearing the Committee observed the following: 1. that fines for illegal importation and disposal of expired agro-chemical and non- compliance of phytosanitary rules and regulations are low and hence recommends increase in such fines.. 2.

The Ministry is facing challenges with mobility, safety gears, low salaries and constraint of payment of revenue collected since is being centralized to BSL only.
The Committee noted that Agriculture being the second flagship to H.E the President, coupled with its potential employment of about 70% of the population, especially the youths, the Committee recommends a more donor 37 support to this Ministry and to privatise the sector in order to increase agricultural productivity and reduce importation of rice.
426 00 SIERRA LEONE SEED CERTIFICATION AGENCY [NEW] Mr. Chairman, Honorable Members, the Government established the Sierra Leone Seed Certification Agency through an Act of Parliament in 2020, but it received no allocation in this F.Y .

The Act also embodies government’s recognition of the potential role by the Agency as the purpose of seed certification is to preserve genetic purity and varietal identity.

It is an official agency program enabling seed companies to market genetically pure seed.
Certification services are available for field crops, turf grasses, vegetables, fruits, vegetative propagated species, woody plants and forbs.

For the F.Y 2021, this Agency submitted a budget of Le 1,800,000,000 to meet implementation of it approved deliverables, but an allocated sum of Le 1,000,000,000 as stated on the appropriation Bill awaits Parliament’s approval.

The Committee viewed the amount as adequate and therefore recommends it approval.
VOTE 427 00 NATIONAL FERTILIZER REGULATORY AGENCY [NEW] Mr. Chairman, Honorable Members, the Government established the Sierra Leone Seed Certification Agency through an Act of Parliament in 2020 but received no allocation in this F.Y .
The Act also embodies government’s recognition of the potential role by the Agency that is responsible for assuring adequate supply of fertilizer and pesticide at reasonable prices; rationalizing the manufacture and marketing of fertilizer; protecting the public from the risks of the inherent use of pesticides; and educating the agricultural sector in the use of these inputs.
For the Financial Year 2021, with budget submission, the National Fertilizer Regulatory Agency has been allocated with the sum Le 1,500,000,000 for its approved deliverables for the year under review.

38 The Committee viewed this allocation as adequate and therefore recommends its approval.
VOTE [403 – 05] NATIONAL MINERALS AGENCY [NMA] Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, as reported earlier, the National Minerals Agency is the line Agency to the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Resources charged with the responsibility to, among other things, promote the development of the entire minerals sector, pursuant to Part III, Section 11 [1] of the National Minerals Act, 2012.The Agency is performing this function, among others, taking into consideration its vision to ensure that Sierra Leoneans acquire maximum benefits from the country’s rich mineral deposits.
It is also very strategic in regulating mining operations for sustainable mining in the Country.

The Committee critically examined the Agency' revenue status with special reference to its regulatory role within the Ministry of Mines & Mineral Resources Industry.
The Agency’s revenue sources according the Vote Controller are as follow: GoSL subvention, Directorate of Precious Minerals, Directorate of Mines- Artisanal Mining fees, application fees, blasting fees, Mine monitoring fees, penalty for non-compliance, Directorate of geological survey, Donor partners etc.
The Agency in 2020 the Agency generated Le 8,460,682,081.00, which is a below its target of Le 15,276,087,178.00 The Vote Controller revealed that the drop in revenue collection is attributed to smuggling and fraudulent transactions, non- harmonization of tariff rates in the sub region for gold and inadequate collaboration in the enforcement of mining laws by other law enforcing Agencies.

For 2020 FY, Parliament approved Le 1,773,357,900 from a submitted budget of Le 3,021,058,640.00.
The Agency received Le 1,773,351,200.00 form GoSL regular budget and also received Le 1,773,351,200.00 for the Review of the Mines Act.

For the F.Y 2021, with no budget submission according to the questionnaire presented, an allocated sum of Le 2,059,458,700 as sated on Appropriation Bill awaits Parliament’ approval.
39 During the hearing, the Committee observed that huge amounts were spent on capital expenditure projects like Rehabilitation of office space, laboratory drainage systems and support to the entire Directorate to function effectively.

Mindful of the Government’s commitment to diversify the country’s economy and to increase much needed revenue, the Committee recommends to the NMA to track all mining companies’ activities and to institute reforms in order scale up revenue mobilisation.
VOTE 318 00: Mr Chairman, Honourable members, the Ministry of Environment is responsible for MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT range of government policies related to the protection and management of the environment and its natural resources.

The Ministry is charged with the responsibility of supervising government agencies in addressing different environmental issues.

Mr Chairman, Hon.

Members for the F.Y 2020 Parliament approved Le 3,112,800,000.
But of that amount the ministry has only received and expended the sum of Le 2,335,000,000.00 and has a variance of Le 757,800,000.00.

The financial situation of the Ministry as presented to the committee was very challenging taking into account the Ministry is a new with different environmental issues in the country.

For 2021 FY, the Ministry made original budget submission Le 30,286,400,000 but an allocated sum of Le 3,837,500,000 as stated on the Bill awaits Parliamentary approval.
As such, the Ministry is of the view that the reduction in its budgetary submission would adversely affect its general operations and functioning of the FY- 2021.

The Committee recommends that the Ministry is provided with adequate office space, staff and mobility.
VOTE 410 00 - NATIONAL PROTECTED AREA AUTHORITY (NPAA) AND CONSERVATION TRUST FUND 40 Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, the National Protected Area Authority [NPAA] and the National Conservation Trust Fund [NCTF] were established by an Act of Parliament in 2012, to provide oversight for National Parks and Protected Areas designated for conservation purposes, with the aim of protecting the forests, fauna and flora in their natural state.
Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, according to the NPAA Act, Section 21 [1] provided that the funds of the Trust Fund shall consist of-   Monies appropriated by Parliament for the purposes of the Authority; All monies given to the Authority by way of gifts, endowments, bequest, grant or other contributions by persons and organisations for the purposes of the Authority.
In light of the above provisions, it is clear that the National Conservation Trust Fund carries the Vote Head for budgetary allocation purposes and the NPAA implements all projects and activities of the Protected Area Management.

In 2020 FY, Parliament approved Le 1,516,769,600.00 for National Protected Area Authority (NPAA) but the Agency only received the sum of Le 1,385,000,000.00 for all the three quarters and quarter four still pending.
A key observation of the Committee is the drastic decrease in revenue generation from licenses and permits from the sum of Le 56,499,856.00 in 2019 to Le 14,516,977.50 in 2020.

The committee recommends that more attention is given to the National Parks across the country for the attraction of the tourist so that the Agency would have a huge potential of generating revenue for Government.
For 2021 FY, the NPAA made an original budget submission of Le 21.749, 200,000, but was allocated Le 3,261,474,300 as stated in the Appropriation Bill.

The Committee viewed the allocation as inadequate and therefore recommends supplementary budget to help augment its revenue generating capacity.
Vote 417 00 NUCLEAR SAFETY AND RADIATION PROTECTION AUTHORITY 41 Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority [NSRPA], as stated in Section 5[1] of the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority Act of 2012 was established to regulate, control and supervise the acquisition, importation, exportation, use and disposal of radioactive substances and devices emitting ionizing radiation.
In 2020Fy, Parliament approved Le 1,954,731,400 out of an original submission of Le 3,294,000,000 and total expenditure on its key deliverables amounted Le 1,900,000,000.

For 2021 FY, the NSRPA submitted an original budget of Le 5,000,000.000 to the Ministry of Finance, however, the Ministry of Finance allocated the sum of Le 2,270,093,700.00 subject to Parliamentary approval.
Question on the impacts of the decrease, the Executive Secretary revealed that the decrease will affect the Authority’s ability to carry out all its activities which includes; inspection and monitoring of radiation sources country wide.

The Committee recommends that:  the Government should support the Authority to enforce action against defaulters and provide logistics to enhance inspection activities;  the Authority should consider food stuff monitoring for radioactive contamination.
VOTE 420-00: SIERRA LEONE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA- SL] Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, the Sierra Leone Environmental Protection Agency was established by an Act of Parliament in 2008 as a body corporate to provide for the effective protection and management of the environment and other related matters.

The broad mandate of the Agency is to oversee, coordinate, monitor and regulate all environmental issues in order to promote effective and sustainable environmental development in the country.
42 Mr. Chairman, Honourable Members, Section 20[b & c] of the EPA Act No.44 of 2008 allows the Agency to expend or finance their activities with funds consisting of:-  Monies generated by the Agency in the course of its activities and  Gifts or grants from donors.
The Committee is pleased to report that the EPA has always been compliant with Section 47 [1] of the Public Financial Management [PFM] Act of 2016 which provided for the establishment of the Treasury Single Account [TSA] to raise revenue for government.

Mr. Chairman, Honourable Members, for the FY-2020, the Environmental Protection Agency made a budget submission to the tune of Le 16,669,600,000 but the Ministry of Finance allocated Le 28,541,600,000 and was approved by Parliament.
For the 2020 financial year, the following were funds transferred by the Agency Treasury Single Account ( TSA) for three quarters: Quarter 1 – Le 4,440,586,414.13 Quarter 2 – Le 3,376,014,035.45 Quarter 3 - Le 5,391,652,477.71 The Committee observed that 80% (13.2 billion Leones) of shared funds of the Agency is meant for payment of salaries, board fees, environmental activities, monitoring and other general operations.

The remaining 20% of total revenue generated is paid to the TSA of Government.
Mr. Chairman, Honourable Members for the FY 2020, the Agency set a revenue target of Le 32,583,500,000.00 but actually generated the sum of Le 16,680,714,000.00 at the end of the 3rd quarter which show a dramatic fall in revenue collection for 2020 due to Covid-19 that lead most companies to Shut down or stop operations.

Mr. Chairman, Honourable Members, for FY 2021, the Environment Protection Agency made a budget submission to the sum of Le 17,222,400,000.00 for non-salary recurrent expenditure.
The Ministry of Finance allocated the sum of Le 24,833,296,800.00 for both salaries, recurrent and development expenditure.

The Vote Controller explained that the cut in the 20% of own source revenue by the GoSL 43 will affect implementation of sound environmental management activities, staff training, developmental activities and general operations of the Agency.
Mr. Chairman, Honourable Members, the Committee recommends that, the EPA received 90% of its own source revenue deposited to the Treasury Single Account [TSA] instead of the 80% and to release allocation on timely basis.
VOTE [422 – 00] SIERRA LEONE METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY Mr. Chairman, Honourable Members, Meteorological Agency was an Agency under the Ministry of Transport and Aviation but now Ministry of Environment, it is responsible to provide cost effective weather and climate services by collecting, processing, archiving and disseminating meteorological and climatological information to support end-users and thus contributing to the management of Sierra Leone environment.
Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, for the FY-2020, Parliament approved a budgetary allocation of Le 1,408,793,000.00 but the Agency received the sum of Le 974,000,000 for three quarters from GoSL regular budget and a total Le 534,793,000 has been expended so far.
The Agency also got joint donor funding support as follows: WMO support in strategic plan validation and launching Le 83,708,100.00 United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP) support for specific program Le 276,500,000.00 was received in quarter three Honorarium from FIR Le 485,500,000.00 90,238,200.00 i. ii.

iii.

iv.
iii.

iv.

According to the Director General, the donor funds were expended were on validation and lunching of SLMET strategic plan, implementing various activities under the coastal marine project and Administrative and Meteorological services.

Mr. Chairman, Honourable Members, for the FY-2021, the Meteorological Agency submitted a budget of Le 7,168,900,000.00 to the Ministry of Finance allocated the sum of Le 1,636,085,700, subject to Parliamentary approval.

Recommendation.
Recommendation.

The Committee viewed the allocation adequate and recommends its approval and appeal to development for support.

44 VOTE 402 00 MINISTRY OF FISHERIES Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources is playing a great role in resource mobilisation for the Government and also is one of the ministries identified by this Government to diversify the current economy.
Its core mandate is to formulate policies, coordinate and supervise the management of fisheries and Marine Resources in the country.

Mr. Chairman Hon.

Members, For FY-2020, the Ministry received from Government regular budget for Q1, 2, &3 Le 13,033,965,800 and expended Le 7,135,434,497.The Ministry’s revenue target for FY-2020 was Le 106,000,000,000 but generated Le 85,587,221,116 (Jan Sept.) with a revenue shortfall of Le 547,246,839.

The COVID -19 Pandemic contributed to this shortfall.
Mr. Chairman, Honourable Members, the Ministry outlined series of challenges, these are:  Lack of roadworthy vehicles to support land based monitoring of illegal activities, routine field and covert inspections.

 Lack of improved smart monitoring and surveillance technology (Drones, Rader System) to detect unlicensed fishing vessels when Automated Identification System (AIS) are switched off.
 Lack of incentive (enhancement) to motivate and attract high calibre of staff to strengthened the human resource capacity for a growth Ministry.

 Inadequate middle level professional staff to proffer policies on fishery management and key staff to man the porous borders of our fishery’s waters to minimise the smuggling of fishery products.

 Need for cold rooms and ice making machines in major districts headquarters towns.

 Inadequate infrastructure and logistics for frontline staff.
45 For FY-2021, the Ministry made an original budget submission to the MoF the sum of Le 60,051,000,000 but was allocated the sum of Le 14,630,566,700.The Ministry informed the Committee that the decrease for the 2021 budget will negatively affect its operations.

Public debt of the Ministry stood at Le 4,827,815,567 for the F.Y 2020.
The Committee recommends that, the Ministry should develop a debt servicing plan in consultation with Ministry of Finance from their own revenue generating programs to finance the debt for the financial year 2021.

VOTE [127-00] : MINISTRY OF PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Mr. Chairman, Honourable Members, Pursuance to section 61 of the 1991 constitution (Act No.

6 of 1991) His Excellency the President, Dr. Rtd.

Brig.
Brig.

Julius Maada Bio separated the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development from the Ministry of Finance in 2018.

In F.Y 2020, this Ministry submitted an original budget of Le 17,700,000,000.00 above its budget ceiling to the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry was however approved Le 11, 900,000,000.00 below the budget submission.
The Ministry received Le 6,600,000,000.00 and a donor fund of Le 2,700,000,000.00 making a grand total of Le 9,300,000,000.00.The Ministry expended a total of Le 8,900,000,000.00 including donor funding, mainly on capital project undertaking and recurrent expenditures such as capital transfer to national Council for Civic Education and Development (NaCCED), office and general, local and overseas travelling, vehicle maintenance and fuel, with a balance of Le 400,000,000.00 reported to be in their bank account.
In F.Y 2021, With no budget ceiling, this Ministry submitted an original budget of Le 20,100,000,000.00, however Le 14, 889, 517, 900 as listed in the Appropriation Act of 2021, awaits Parliamentary approval.
46 Key Findings and Recommendation The Committee observed that there was a huge decrease in the Ministry original budget submission, which according to the Development Secretary will affect the following activities:  Mid – Term Review of the Sierra Leone`s MTNDP  District Development Coordination Support to enhance effective and efficient implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the MTNDP (2019-2023)  Sensitization and Coordination of ECOWAS, MRU and FOCAC Operations and activities  Administrative and Operating costs including Fuel for Staff and vehicle  Oversea travels  The allocation for National Council for Civic Education is very minimal, hence it hinders their operations; the committee recommends that NaCCED should standalone and should have a separate Vote Head.
Recommendation Despite the above challenges, the Committee viewed the allocation as fairly adequate and recommends its approval.
VOTE [138 -00]: STATISTICS-SIERRA LEONE Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, Statistics Sierra Leone came into existence as a body corporate pursuant to the Statistics Act of 2002 and it serves as the central Authority for the collection, processing, analysis and dissemination of accurate, clear, relevant, timely and high quality statistical information on social, demographic, economic and financial activities to serve the needs of users, including Government and the General public as contained in Section 10 subsection 1.
Mr Chairman, Honourable Members, for the F.Y 2020 the original budget submission of Statistics Sierra Leone to the Ministry of Finance was Le 14,238,000,000.00 above its budget ceiling of Le 7, 906, 000,000.00, but Le 5,642,000,000.00 was however approved and allocated.
From January to September 2020, Statistics Sierra Leone has received Le 3,808,000,000.00 from Government regular budget, Le 4, 47 000,000,000.00 from Government PIP (2021 MPHC) and Le 8,846,000,000.00 from donors giving a total amount received to Le 16,654,000,000.00.

Of this amount received, the office has expended Le 13,267,000,000.00.
With regards to donor funding, the Statistician General (SG) disclosed that donor funds were expended on the statistical activities for which they were provided as agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding signed with funding Agencies.

Bank balance as at 30th September accounted for Le 3,387,000,000.00.
Mr. Chairman, Honourable Members for the F.Y 2021 , the original budget submission of Statistics Sierra Leone to the Ministry of Finance is Le 12,628,000,000.00 but an allocated sum of Le 6,000,000,000 awaits Parliamentary approval The Office incurred a decrease of Le 6,628,000,000.00.
According to the SG, the reduction will affect the following:  The Mid – term population and Housing / census  The conduct routine data  The maintenance and management offices including districts offices  Maintenance of data dissemination structures including data science  Training and motivation of Staff Key Findings and Recommendation (1) (2) Staff salary of STAT S/L is low as compared with similar MDAs, to this the Committee recommends to bring up their at per with sister Department or agency The 50% cut in budget submission will affect the forth coming Mid Term Census in April 2021.
To this the Committee recommends that in order to get credible data, a supplementary allocation be considered.

Recommendation.- The Committee viewed the allocation of this MDA as adequate and recommends its approval and ask Stat SL to solicit donor support for its programm.

VOTE [112- 01]: PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP UNIT Mr. Chairman, Honourable.
Members, the Public Private Partnership Unit (PPPU) was established in the Public Private Partnership Act by an Act 2010 and in particular Section 32 of the said Act.

The PPPU was formally operationalized in 2013.

The Unit is 48 mandated to carry out several functions and one of which is to co-ordinate with and provide assistance to contracting authorities in respect of all PPP projects.
Mr. Chairman, Honourable Members, the original budget submission of PPPU to the Ministry of Finance for FY 2020 was Le 771,300,000.00 same with its budget ceiling, but Le 1,563,096,600.00 was however approved and allocated.

From January to September 2020, PPPU has received Le 1,054,557,882.00 from Government regular budget and Le 1,306,650,000.00 from donors giving a total amount received Le 2,039,909,882.00.

Of this amount received, the office has expended Le 1,566,039,597.02.
Bank balance as at 30th September accounted for Le 473,870,284.98.

For the F.Y 2021, the Unit’s budget submission to the Ministry of Finance was Le 1,707,630,000.00 above its budget ceiling of Le 1,563,096,600.00.

However, the sum of Le 1,000,000,000 as stated on the 2021 Appropriation Bill awaits Parliamentary approval.

Key Findings and Recommendation (1) The PPPU has very limited staff to perform numerous functions for which the Committee recommends recruitment of new staff to serve of the Unit.
Overall, the Committee considers the allocation as adequate and recommends its approval.

49