The Public Accounts Committee has expressed significant concerns regarding the Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs’ failure to comply with accounting principles and procedures for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022.
During a hearing focused on the Ministry’s audit reports for those years, PAC Committee Member Ketan Lal pointed out that internal controls were not properly followed. He referenced findings from the Office of the Auditor-General that indicated issues with the Ministry’s internal control mechanisms, particularly highlighting unauthorized payment vouchers.
Lal noted a purchase order for a single laptop that resulted in a payment of $9,300, emphasizing that this represented an unauthorized expense. He also mentioned another instance where an HP PC was acquired for $9,052. Lal urged the Ministry to enhance its financial controls to save costs.
In response, Finau Mataiwalu, a representative from the Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs, acknowledged the concerns raised and explained that these issues occurred during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when many staff members were working remotely, resulting in fewer personnel available to conduct checks.
Mataiwalu clarified that the Ministry actually purchased three laptops for a total of $9,300 and confirmed that purchase orders were handled through the ITC, which provided quotes for the procurement. He added that the Ministry is implementing stronger financial procedures to address these issues and prevent them from recurring in the future.