By: Binta Jaiteh
The National Select Committee of Public Enterprise Committee on Tuesday approved Gamtel/ Gamtel annual report activity and financial statement for the year 2018 with amendments.
Speaking during the consideration, the Chairperson of Public Enterprise Committee Hon. Allagie Jawara pointed out that, the PEC committee is a constitutional provision which section (175) of the constitution stated that public enterprises are corporate institution only owned by the government.
“Members of the board of directors or other board governing shall be appointed by the government after consultation with the public service commission and shall be selected among person with integrity, competency and maturity of judgment.
According to him members of the National Assembly and holder of any political office or officers of political parties shall not be qualified to be appointed to the board of directors or other governing body of the public enterprise committee.
He further mentioned that public enterprises shall within three months of the end of its financial year submit an annual report to the National Assembly adding that section (109) of 1999 constitution, has highlighted the powers and functions of the committee that the national assembly shall appoint a public appointment standing committee, financial public standing, standing committee of privilege and defense and security.
He explained that, selected members may be appointed to investigate or enquire into the activities and administration of ministries and department of the government adding that as such enquiries may extend to make proposal for legislature and to investigate any matter of public interest.
He noted that for the committee to effectively perform its function they need all powers to rights and privileges as are vested in the high court which section (110) of the constitution stated.
Saikou Marong, member for Latri Kunda Sabaji explained that Gamtel financial statement in December 2018 was amounted to over 93.8 million captured as an investment stating that no dividend pays to Gamtel within the investment period and high losses has been incurred during the past years.