Probe into Parliament renovation extended

The Parliamentary Special Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate the suspected mismanagement of the Rwf 4.7 billion used in the renovation of the Parliament Buildings, was, yesterday, given 45 more days to come up with a final report. The committee was set up mid this year and given 90 days to conduct the investigation. The allocated time frame expired, and MP Desire Nyandwi, who heads the commission requested for more time to complete the work. “So far, we have gathered all the required documents, we have interviewed 43 people, made ground assessment, written reports and of late we requested the Auditor General’s office to do a performance audit,” said Nyandwi. He added that the audit that would be done by the AG’s office would take about 30 days and that his commission would need an extra 15 days to consolidate all its findings. “We are trying to come up with a thorough report that will answer all the grievances and questions you have always had, this is why I am requesting for 45 days so that I can give you quality work,” Nyandwi requested the Parliament.Several MPs questioned what the commission would be doing in the 30 days when the AG’s office will be doing an audit and many proposed that the commission be given only 15 days to consolidate the findings they have and table them. However, Nyandwi managed to convince that lawmakers saying that his team spent much of its time following up the Presidential campaigns and elections otherwise the work would be done by now. Following his assurance to the House, Members endorse the 45 days of extension. Part of the duties that were assigned to the Commission of Inquiry was to analyze and establish the content of what agreements signed between the Government and the European Union, the one between the government and Thomas and Piron/Fair Construction and the agreement between the government and Rhein Ruhr International GmbH. The funds for the renovation were provided by the European Union while Thomas Piron and Fair Construction were the contractors, whereas Rhein Ruhr International were the project supervisors. Nyandwi’s team is also expected to analyse the budget and indicate the amount that has so far been spent and what remains to be spent and put in place a list of what work has been done and what remains to be doneOriginally, the contractors were given 15 months (from January 2006 to April 2007) to rehabilitate the House’s Plenary Session Structure and construct a new block to house the Senate President’s office and Secretariat. Ends

National

Probe into Parliament renovation extended