The local government ministry’s compliance team is set to visit 13 municipal councils to address and resolve issues related to audit qualifications. Bindula Devi, the director, revealed this plan in response to inquiries from Standing Committee on Social Affairs member Ioane Naivalurua following the Nausori Town Council’s presentation of its annual reports for the years 2016-2018.
Naivalurua raised concerns about whether individuals involved in financial misappropriations and potential corruption had been reported to the relevant authorities. In her response, Devi indicated that the ministry will establish a clear timeline for rectifying the identified issues, guided by the findings from the Office of the Auditor General.
Devi noted that many of the challenges faced are legacy issues, indicating that they have persisted over time. She assured that the compliance team is aware of the serious matters not only at the Nausori Town Council but also among other councils, and appropriate measures are already being implemented to tackle these problems. She emphasized a commitment to preventing similar issues from recurring in the future.
Furthermore, Saidi Nazrana, the local government principal audit and compliance officer, confirmed that cases of fund misappropriation have been reported to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
This proactive approach by the local government ministry reflects a determination to enhance accountability and transparency within municipal councils. It signals a positive step towards rebuilding public trust and ensuring better governance practices moving forward.
In summary, the local government ministry’s initiative to proactively visit councils demonstrates a commitment to resolving longstanding audit issues and improving accountability within municipal governance structures.
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