Audit Alarm Raised

TDT | Manama

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A budget deficit exceeding BD1 billion and rising public debt dominated debate in Tuesday’s parliament session, as MPs examined the Financial and Administrative Audit Bureau's latest report and questioned how public funds are being managed.

MP Ahmed Al Salloom said the report reflects wide-ranging oversight across 81 entities, with more than 1,700 recommendations issued and around 84 percent either implemented or in progress. While noting progress, he pointed to continued financial pressures requiring closer follow-up.

MP Abdulwahid Qarata warned that the figures point to deeper structural concerns, highlighting a growing deficit and increasing public debt. He questioned whether repeated findings without firm accountability risk becoming routine rather than corrective.

MP Zainab Abdulameer shifted attention to the direct impact on residents, citing water losses that she said translate into real financial costs. She pointed to significant leakage levels, raising concerns over whether resources are fully utilised before additional burdens are placed on households.

MP Mahdi Al Shoaikh also raised concerns over excluding certain liabilities from official debt figures, warning that incomplete financial data could affect transparency and long-term planning.

The debate extended to labour market gaps, project delays and regulatory shortcomings, with MPs calling for stronger coordination and clearer accountability across government entities.

As discussions concluded, the session returned to a central concern: public finances are measured not only in figures but in how effectively they are protected, managed and reflected in the services people rely on every day.