Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime has directed the County Department of Finance and Planning to prioritize the payment of contractors and suppliers with outstanding dues from previous years.
In a meeting with the County Finance Committee, Governor Mwadime highlighted that many contractors had not been paid for work completed in past years, which has become a significant concern.
He emphasized that addressing this issue would not only resolve the backlog of pending bills but also encourage the growth of new contractors in the county.
“This directive will boost our economy by encouraging the development of new contractors,” Mwadime stated.
The Governor also revealed that the county is currently facing a pending bill totaling sh.1.92 billion, underscoring the urgency of resolving the matter.
Additionally, Mwadime urged the Finance Committee to create smarter budgets and more realistic financial projections to prevent the accumulation of pending bills in the future.
On the other hand, Elijah Mwazo, the County Executive Committee Member in charge of Finance and Planning, assured that the department was working closely with various stakeholders to address the situation effectively.
“We aim to eliminate pending bills and start living within our means,” Mwazo said, stressing the importance of sustainable financial planning for the county’s future.
This initiative is designed to streamline financial operations and ensure that contractors and suppliers are paid promptly, ultimately contributing to the county’s economic growth and stability.