The Auditor General’s recent report on municipal councils has revealed that the Lautoka City Council’s (LCC) swimming pool project suffered from poor planning and management. One alarming finding was that the LCC paid its principal consultant a sum of $289,542 prior to the formal signing of a contract, which raises concerns about fiscal responsibility.

The report highlighted that the total expenditure for the swimming pool project amounted to $1,452,213. However, only $540,518 of that was recorded in the council’s Fixed Assets Schedule, reflecting a significant discrepancy. The audit further indicated that while the agreement with the principal consultant was officially signed on December 18, 2017, the consultant had already been working with the council since 2016, leading to an oversight in contract management.

The Auditor General also noted a lack of appropriate contractual clauses addressing potential delays, which is critical for keeping projects on track. Progress records suggested that the swimming pool project was not only poorly planned but also plagued by management issues, resulting in construction delays and the project’s still incomplete status as of March 2024.

In response to the audit findings, the Lautoka City Council explained that the delays were caused by the contractor vacating the site and inadequate oversight from the lead consultant. Additionally, they cited delays in government funding as a hindrance to ongoing work after September 2019. Looking ahead, the LCC committed to ensuring that all future contractual agreements will be finalized and signed in a timely manner prior to the commencement of any project.

This situation highlights the importance of effective project management and upholding transparency in municipal governance. With the commitment from the Lautoka City Council to implement better practices moving forward, there is potential for improvement in handling future projects, leading to more efficient use of funds and timely project completions.

In summary, the auditor’s findings point to a critical need for improved planning and management protocols at LCC. While past mismanagement has caused significant setbacks, the council’s commitment to reform suggests a hopeful trajectory for future municipal projects.