Gauteng govt returns R1.8 billion to Treasury after underspending budget

JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng government has returned money to National Treasury after underspending by R1.8 billion on its annual budget.

Premier Panyaza Lesufi revealed this during a media briefing focusing on the state of ethics and corruption in his government.

Underspending on a budget could have significant consequences on government performance, as money set aside for important projects goes unused.

Lesufi has vowed to ensure every cent is put to use.

"We can’t return money to the Treasury when we have so many things to sort out, and it’s within that context that we are attending to it. There are other things that are beyond the control of departments, but there are others that are within. We will need to have some serious discussions as the leadership of the government."

Lesufi said that systems were being put in place to ensure underspending on the budget doesn’t happen again.

"Every time our communities need something, you say that government doesn’t have money, but then you suddenly return R1.8 billion. So we are putting up systems to attend to it, and I can assure you that there’ll be serious consequences management."