Forensic audit targets cost overruns

James Hall MBABANE - Fed up with cost overruns that double and triple the final costs of new highway construction projects, the finance ministry has announced oversight measures to keep contractors in line. “Expenditures on new roads take a large portion of government’s budget. While these often start at low levels, due to cost escalations government ends up paying much more,” finance minister Majozi Sithole told parliament. Sithole said all new contracts would be scrutinised for government by independent auditing firms. “We will also be undertaking forensic audits on some of our new roads.”