The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has expressed optimism that Covid-19 funds that were plundered will be recovered.

PAC Chairperson Shadreck Namalomba said this in Lilongwe upon his Committee winding up an inquiry into the usage and management of the K6.2 billion Covid-19 fund disbursement.

“We have interacted with a number of clusters, government institutions as well as councils, what has come out is the same sad story.

“It’s the sad story in the sense that goods were procured at bloated prices, allowances were paid in excess of entitlements and certain were also being paid for no justifications,” said Namalomba.

According to Namalomba, the country’s law enforcing agency and the executive arm of government need to seriously work on the Committee`s recommendation if the mismanaged Covid-19 funds are to be fully recovered.

“The extent of the abuse is worrying, and one would be justified to ask the question what has been happening before? How have been managing the resources? It is cause for concern I must not hide my disappointment.

“As PAC chairperson, it’s just to employ on the Executive to make sure that they reform the allowance system, total overhaul but also the seriousness of funds management in all government institutions and councils,” said Namalomba.

He added that the Committee is going to wait until secretariat writes a report and is going to meet as a Committee after that process it will present the resolution in the chamber in the current sitting.