Tevita Boseiwaqa, the acting CEO of the Suva City Council, revealed that the council has been incurring substantial overtime costs, estimated between $1.5 million and $2 million annually. This issue was highlighted during a public submission to the Standing Committee on Social Affairs concerning the council’s annual reports for the years 2016-2018. Boseiwaqa noted that the audit team from the SCCC identified this problem in a specific section of the council’s operations.
In response to a query from committee member MP Joseph Nand about potential fund misappropriation, Boseiwaqa disclosed that two depots—one related to works and the other to health—reported an expenditure exceeding $240,000 in the last fiscal year up to June. He emphasized the necessity of establishing controls to manage resources effectively, as ensuring proper fund utilization is a primary responsibility of the special administrators.
Additionally, Boseiwaqa mentioned the need to audit pending leave balances for employees, indicating a significant quantity of cash in leaves, including long service and annual leave. He acknowledged that while initiatives to rectify these issues are underway, they come with their own set of challenges.
This situation highlights the importance of fiscal responsibility and transparency within local government bodies. As the council begins to address these financial discrepancies, there is hope for improved management practices that could lead to more efficient use of public funds, benefiting the community in the long run.
With ongoing reforms and audits, there is potential for a stronger and more financially accountable Suva City Council, paving the way for enhanced services and governance for the citizens it serves.
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