September 17, 2024, 1:50 PM
September 17, 2024, 1:50 PM
The Secretary of Finance of the Government of Santa Cruz, Miguel Sorich, responded to the assemblyman’s criticism Zvonko Matkovic Ribera (We believe)who questioned the preparation of the Annual Operating Budget (POA) 2025. Sorich He called the accusations a “smokescreen” and assured that financial management has been transparent and responsible.
Sorich said that since August the budget has been shared with all the parties in the Departmental Assembly and modifications have been made based on suggestions. “Matkovic is unaware of the processes and seeks to play politics with lies and speculation”he declared.
Matkovic’s criticism focused on the significant cuts to social programs, such as complementary feeding and care for the elderly and daycare centers, which according to him, suffered reductions of up to 90%.
In addition, the assemblyman questioned a Bs 180 million loan from Fonplata destined for the Faja Norte highway, alleging that the First payment of Bs 66 million represented a disproportionate figure in relation to the credit.
Sorich said the down payment is part of the contract conditions, and that a final payment plan will be provided by Fonplata within 90 days of the last disbursement. “There is no error or concealment of information”he said.
He also said that the Bs 66 million in question include provisions for the payment of commissions and interest on other loans, and that everything has been recorded responsibly.
One of the central issues was the budget ceiling, which came into effect on September 2 and gave the Governor’s Office until the 16th of that month to present the budget. Sorich explained that the Framework Law on Autonomies establishes that, if this date is not met, they risk the suspension of transfers and the freezing of accounts.
The secretary denied accusations about the alleged lack of transparency in the management of the Bs 180 million loan from Fonplata for the Faja Norte highway. He clarified that the final payment plan is not yet available, since Fonplata will deliver it 90 days after the last disbursement. “There is no concealment of information, everything is registered responsibly,” he assured.
“Previous mismanagement”
Sorich did not hesitate to point out the previous administration, led by Luis Fernando Camacho, for the financial situation in which the Governorate is currently located. According to the secretary, in December 2023 Bs 541 million were executed, which generated a deficit of Bs 388 million that affects the current administration. “Resources that were due to 2024 were spent,” Sorich accused, and stressed that a large part of that spending was on “unnecessary salaries and contracts.”
