The Public Accounts Committee has expressed significant concerns about the Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs’ failure to adhere to accounting principles and procedures for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022.
During the committee’s hearing focused on the ministry’s audit reports for those years, Committee Member Ketan Lal raised issues regarding the lack of strict compliance with internal controls. He pointed out that there were unauthorized payment vouchers that had been processed and paid.
Lal highlighted a case in which a purchase order was made for a laptop, costing $9,300, which he deemed an unauthorized expenditure. He emphasized the need for the ministry to enhance its financial controls to prevent unnecessary spending.
Additionally, Lal noted the procurement of an HP PC for $9,052, urging the Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs to collaborate with the ITC Department to acquire more cost-effective laptops and computers in the future.
In response, Finau Mataiwalu, a representative of the Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs, admitted to the issues raised, explaining that these transactions occurred during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when most staff were working remotely, limiting the number of people available for necessary checks.
Mataiwalu clarified that the ministry purchased three laptops for the quoted total of $9,300, and affirmed that they do seek quotes from the ITC for purchase orders. He also stated that measures are being implemented to strengthen financial procedures and address these concerns to avoid similar issues in the future.