The challenge of inconsistent reporting templates for annual reports continues to be a significant concern for municipal councils, as highlighted by Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa during discussions surrounding the Savusavu Town Council’s Annual Reports from 2011 to 2013. Minister Nalumisa emphasized the need for a more unified reporting system that all municipalities can adopt.
He pointed out that delays in the submission of annual reports by several councils are linked to poor governance, attributing these issues to previous years’ insufficient management and oversight from the Ministry of Local Government. Notably, the lack of a dedicated department within the Ministry to monitor and audit council operations has further complicated matters.
In response to these challenges, the Ministry has established an Audit and Compliance Unit this financial year, tasked with conducting independent internal audits across all councils. So far, five municipal councils have been audited, with special audits performed for two of them.
Currently, the Office of the Auditor General is reviewing the financial statements of the Savusavu Town Council for the fiscal year 2021-2022, while the council is in the process of preparing its financial reports for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 fiscal years.
This initiative towards standardization and enhanced auditing underscores a crucial advancement in promoting accountability and governance among local councils. It reflects a commitment to ensure that newly elected councilors are responsible for effective resource management, fostering significant improvements in transparency.
Similar governance issues have also emerged in evaluations of other councils, such as Nausori and Suva, where the necessity for improved financial oversight and rebuilding public trust has become evident. Such collective efforts highlight a growing awareness of the importance of strategic governance and community involvement, paving the way for optimistic progress in overcoming persistent challenges in municipal management.
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