Audit finds G.A. Atoll Council spent MVR 338,000 on Thailand trip in violation of government directive

The Audit Office has reported that the G.A. Atoll Council spent MVR 338,006 on an overseas “experience‑gaining” trip last year, in violation of a government directive restricting foreign travel by councils.

According to the audit, seven council members and the secretary‑general travelled to Thailand from May 20 to 30 last year. With no alternative funding secured, the full cost of the trip was covered by the council’s budget.

The report stated that accommodation and meals for the eight officials cost MVR 266,457, while airfare amounted to MVR 71,549.

The Audit Office said the expenditure was not in line with the Finance Ministry’s directive to control public spending and improve efficiency.

The report also highlighted several administrative issues within the council. It noted that significant amounts of money owed to the council had not been collected, and that required steps under the Finance Rules had not been taken to recover the funds.

In addition, auditors found that documents related to the tender process for leasing vacant land within the licence track, as well as the lease agreement itself, were missing. The report further stated that the council had not established strong rules for overtime payments and had failed to publicly disclose details of office expenditures.

Foreign “experience‑gaining” trips by local councils have become a growing point of criticism, with some MPs describing them as unproductive and offering little value.

The audit also noted that the Atoll Council had spent more than MVR 600,000 on similar overseas trips in previous instances, also in violation of government instructions.