Kampala — The secretary general of the East African Community (EAC), Liberat Mfumukeko’s stringent reforms which were instituted to eliminate wastage on travel expenditures, have helped the Secretariat to save more than $2.75m (Shs10 billion).

The reforms instituted in the Organs and Institutions aimed at cost reduction in the EAC projects and programmes early this year are already showing positive developments.

In his message last Friday to the staff of the Organs and Institutions for their dedication during the year, Mr Mfumukeko, who took over from Mr Richard Sezibera at the end of April, said: “As a result of your strong commitment, passion and dedication to the regional integration agenda, we have witnessed a lot of developments and achievements at individual and corporate levels.”

He said EAC has reduced its travel expenditures by 28 per cent between May and November 2016, compared to 23 per cent in the same period in 2015.

The travel expenditure during May-November 2015 was $9. 9m (Shs36 billion) and the same expenditure during May-November 2016 was $7.1m (Shs26 billion) making a saving of approximately $2.75m (Shs10 billion).

The Secretariat was experiencing financial strain due to delayed contributions by partner states and donors.

The reforms come after Tanzanian president John Magufuli cautioned the Secretariat during the heads of State summit in March this year that “it will not be business as usual under my chairmanship”.

President Magufuli openly put the Secretariat on notice that the days of wanton spending were gone, questioning the rationale of holding the summit at an exclusive resort when the Secretariat boasts of modern conference facilities.

The bloc shall also ensure that it utilises free of charge member state government-owned facilities.

Source: All Africa

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