The government is taking decisive action to address the growing issue of unused and underutilized public assets across the country. A recent cabinet meeting outlined a plan for ministries to assess and make better use of state resources, including land, infrastructure, machinery, and equipment that are currently lying idle.
One of the key measures discussed at the meeting is the requirement for all public bodies to update their records of public property using the Public Assets Management System (PAMS). This includes providing detailed information about public land, vehicles, machinery, and other resources under their jurisdiction. These updated records will be submitted to the Office of the Controller General of Accounts and will also be shared with the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers.
In addition, the government has decided that no public entity will be allowed to purchase new machinery or equipment without proper justification. Any new purchases will need to be backed by clear plans for human resources and infrastructure, ensuring that the equipment can actually be used and maintained. Unused equipment will either be put into operation or reassigned to other agencies that can make use of them.
The Financial Comptroller General Office will oversee this process to ensure that idle assets are properly managed and utilized, minimizing unnecessary costs related to their preservation. There is also a legal framework in place to support this initiative. The Financial Procedures and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2077 BS mandates that all government physical assets be properly recorded and managed. This includes using the PIMS software developed by the Office of the Auditor General, particularly during transitions in office leadership or changes in accounting officers.
The government acknowledged that many assets were purchased or created in the past without proper planning, which has resulted in them being left unused or underutilized. This has led to significant costs for their maintenance, without achieving the intended benefits. Furthermore, improper planning of infrastructure projects has also contributed to the problem. Many public assets have been abandoned or rendered ineffective due to quality issues or poor placement, exacerbating the issue of underutilization.
This new approach marks a shift toward more systematic and responsible management of public resources, with the goal of maximizing their utility and preventing wasteful expenditures in the future.
