Audit finds Shaviyani Council spent MVR 269,992 on Laamu experience trip in violation of rules

The Auditor General’s Office has stated that MVR 269,992 was spent on an experience trip to Laamu Atoll by the Shaviyani Atoll Council with 30 employees.

The Auditor General’s Office has released the 2024 Compliance Audit Report of the Shaviyani Atoll Council Office.

According to the audit report, the four-day visit was conducted from 15 to 18 February 2024. The trip was attended by the Council President, Secretary General and 28 administrative staff. The expenses incurred for the trip were as follows:

• Air tickets: MVR 175,620  

• Accommodation and meals: MVR 63,600  

• Sea travel: MVR 29,922  

• Road travel: MVR 850  

The Audit Office noted that conducting such a trip with a large number of employees was not in line with the Ministry of Finance circular directing offices to enhance expenditure efficiency. Although a trip report was prepared, the council did not maintain detailed documentation on how the findings of the visit were applied within the office environment or operations.

In this regard, the Auditor General recommended that trips be conducted in the most economical manner and that written documentation of objectives be maintained both before and after such visits. The Auditor General also directed the Local Government Authority (LGA) to provide training and exposure opportunities to council staff through a more systematic and structured mechanism as this is a recurring issue among councils across the country.