Inventory missing for three years

Explaining that this was a matter of safeguarding the assets of the State, Mark said it was troubling that an inventory went missing at the ministry. “We need to take our task a little more seriously,” he said.

National Security Ministry Permanent Secretary Lydia Jacobs said the inventory in question went missing in the period 2012 to 2015. She gave the assurance that the matter is being addressed.

Earlier in the hearing, Director of Personnel Administration Anastasius Creed spoke about challenges which the Service Commissions Department has had to deal with regarding staff shortages with respect to inventory control. She explained that this system is not computerised and legislative changes are required to implement a computerised system at the department.

Creed and Agriculture Ministry Permanent Secretary Angela Siew said the Service Commissions Department and the ministry are proceeding with preparations for the implementation of new public procurement legislation in March.