The Public Accounts Committee has expressed significant concerns regarding the Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs’ failure to adhere to accounting principles and procedures for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022.
During a hearing focused on the Ministry’s audit reports for these years, PAC Committee Member Ketan Lal pointed out that internal controls were not adequately followed. He referenced issues identified by the Office of the Auditor-General, including unauthorized payment vouchers that had been processed and disbursed.
Lal specifically highlighted a concerning case where a single laptop was purchased for $9,300, which he classified as an unauthorized expense. He urged the Ministry to enhance its financial controls to prevent unnecessary expenditure. He also noted another purchase, an HP PC that cost $9,052, and recommended that the Ministry should collaborate with the ITC Department to procure more cost-effective technology in the future.
In response, Finau Mataiwalu, a representative from the Ministry of i-Taukei Affairs, acknowledged the criticisms but explained they occurred during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. He remarked that most staff were working remotely, resulting in insufficient personnel to conduct the necessary checks.
Mataiwalu clarified that the Ministry had actually purchased three laptops for the total of $9,300 and confirmed that they followed the procedure of obtaining quotes through the ITC. He also assured that measures are being implemented to strengthen financial procedures to address these issues and avoid future occurrences.