Councils lose track of public property

Public assets including schools, health facilities, markets and machinery could be exposed to theft, encroachment and misuse after the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) raised concerns over poor asset management in local authorities.

The committee found that several councils did not maintain updated asset registers, while others lacked title deeds and ownership documents for public property.

Presenting the PAC report in Parliament, Chairperson Steve Malondera said the failure to properly document and manage public assets leaves property bought with taxpayers’ money vulnerable.

“Public assets represent the investments of Malawians and must be safeguarded with the seriousness they deserve,” Malondera said.

The committee examined 22 local authorities following findings contained in the Auditor General’s report on local authorities’ accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023.

PAC said public assets should not be treated simply as items appearing in accounting records because they are investments made using public money and are intended to improve people’s livelihoods.

The committee’s concern extends to assets such as schools where children learn, health facilities that serve communities, markets that support local businesses and machinery used by councils in providing services.

Without proper registers and ownership documents, PAC warned that councils may struggle to establish what they own, where the assets are located and whether they are being used for their intended public purpose.

The committee said the weaknesses also create opportunities for public property to be stolen, encroached upon, misused or unlawfully disposed of.

PAC has called for stronger internal controls and enforcement of audit recommendations to improve accountability within local authorities.

Malondera urged Parliament to adopt the report and support measures aimed at making councils more transparent, accountable and responsive.

For communities that rely on public schools, health facilities, markets and other council infrastructure, the committee’s findings raise a fundamental question: who is protecting the property that belongs to Malawians?