Minister To Issue Statement On Firm

The People Daily

16 June 2004 Page: 4

Finance Minister David Mwiraria will today issue a statement concerning the passports scam involving the controversial Anglo Leasing and Finance Limited. Yesterday, the minister told parliament that the government had cancelled transactions it had entered with the company. He confirmed that the government had received back all the money from the company although he did not state how much. He promised to give details in today s session as members demanded to know who was paying back the money. Permanent secretaries Joseph Magari and Sylvester Mwaliko were both sacked in connection with the Shs 2.7 billion scandal. Shadow finance minister Kerrow Billow demanded an explanation from the government over what he termed as off budget financing of projects not approved by parliament. He said urgent measures should be put in place t deal with individuals involved in spending of government funds without the approval of parliament. With reference to Anglo Leasing Company, he asked the government to state inform parliament the exact services it has provided and why they were not approved by parliament. Meanwhile, the minister clarified that only Shs 50 million and not Shs 1.050 billion has been set aside for the construction of the V-Ps residence.