The Auditor General has revealed that Walesi Pte Ltd discarded $2.2 million worth of unused Redflow batteries in 2021, labeling the move as a significant misuse of public funds. In a report concerning Public Enterprises and Other Entities presented to Parliament, the Auditor General noted that the Walesi Board of Directors authorized the disposal on July 28, 2021.
The report indicated that a consultant firm, chosen by the Project Management Company, had recommended the acquisition of Redflow batteries for solar backup purposes. Consequently, between 2017 and 2018, Walesi Ltd purchased 162 batteries for a total cost of $2.6 million. Of these, only 26 batteries were deployed at various sites, with the remaining 136 kept in storage.
Unfortunately, the batteries suffered from leakage, attributed to improper storage conditions, which ultimately necessitated their disposal. The Auditor General emphasized that this mismanagement resulted in the loss of over $2.2 million in public funds, urging the management and board to investigate any negligence by the Project Management Company or Walesi Ltd, and to take the necessary corrective actions.
Walesi has stated that it was the responsibility of the project manager at that time to ensure proper storage and deployment of the batteries. Until 2019, the company was managed by the Ministry of Communication, during which time it adhered to the Ministry’s asset management policies.
This finding serves as a reminder of the importance of effective management and oversight in public enterprises. It underscores the need for rigorous adherence to protocol in asset handling to safeguard public resources. Moving forward, Walesi could view this as an opportunity to enhance its operational protocols and prevent similar situations in the future. By embracing accountability and transparency, the company may not only restore public trust but also optimize the management of critical resources to benefit the community at large.
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