Committee raises concerns over delays in audit reports
According to the report submitted, the office has completed 30% of its assigned audits for the year, equivalent to 189 out of 621 audits.
Members of the Parliament’s Finance Committee have expressed concern over delays in audit reports by the Auditor General’s Office and associated audit firms, highlighting that the issue is affecting government projects and donor relations.
The concerns were raised during the committee’s discussion of the Auditor General’s 2024 audit report on Sunday.
Deputy Speaker and Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim noted that several audits remain incomplete, including special audit reports such as those related to Fenaka Corporation. He said the Ministry of Environment had raised concerns regarding delays in audits of the Fenaka, which has impacted ongoing electricity service projects funded by foreign donors, including the World Bank-funded initiatives in Gaafu Alif and Gaafu Dhaal atolls.
Nazim stated that audit components related to Fenaka’s work are being released in segments, with findings from its operations in Addu City already made public. He proposed meeting with the Auditor General to discuss improving performance and timely completion of outstanding audits.
Hulhumalé South MP Ahmed Shamheed of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) said delays in some audits were due to institutions not providing necessary documents. He said Fenaka’s lack of cooperation or documentation has caused delays in completing its audits. He added that with support from the Ministry of Finance and the Privatisation Board, the issue could be resolved.
The Auditor General’s Office was itself audited by KPMG upon the committee’s instruction. According to the report submitted, the office has completed 30% of its assigned audits for the year, equivalent to 189 out of 621 audits. The remaining 432 are in progress.
Nazim noted that while staffing shortages had previously been a challenge, this issue had been addressed. However, he said the volume of audits—estimated between 600 and 700 annually—makes it difficult for the office to keep pace. He suggested the committee consider setting clearer rules and frameworks to manage the workload.
Committee Chair Ahmed Saleem, MP for Eydhafushi constituency representing the People’s National Congress (PNC), proposed summoning the Auditor General for further discussion on the delays and operational concerns.
