HA. Atoll Council spent MVR 1.2 million on study tours within two years: Audit
An audit report has revealed that the Haa Alif Atoll Council incurred significant expenditures from its budget for study tours to the Philippines and various regions of the Maldives in violation of state cost-reduction policies. The report highlighted that the objectives of these trips remained unclear and the council failed to act in an economically prudent manner, concluding that the spending did not align with government directives aimed at increasing fiscal efficiency.
Haa Alif Atoll Council Members. | HA Atoll Council | Ha. Atoll council
The Haa Alif Atoll Council spent a total of MVR 1,281,086 on study tours to the Philippines, Addu City, Fuvahmulah City, and Laamu Atoll during 2023 and 2024, according to the council's compliance audit report.
The audit report highlighted that these expenditures cannot be justified as being in compliance with the directives issued by the Ministry of Finance and Planning, and the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, which aim to control state spending and enhance operational efficiency.
A total of 15 individuals, including 14 members representing the Atoll Council and one senior staff member, conducted a nine-day study tour to the Philippines, incurring a total expenditure of MVR 738,520 from the council's budget. It has been noted that this substantial amount was spent directly from the council's budget without exploring alternative funding sources to cover the costs of the trip.
According to the report on the visit to the Philippines, the primary objectives were to gain new experiences, familiarize participants with modern technology, and understand the cultures of other nations. However, it was noted that the specific goals of the trip and how the resulting experiences would be utilized within the council administration had not been determined prior to departure, leaving the intended outcomes of the visit unclear.
It has been noted that a total of 23 participants—comprising 11 members representing the Atoll Council, the Secretary General, and 10 administrative staff—undertook a nine-day study tour to Addu City and Fuvahmulah City in 2023. Records indicate that a total of MVR 314,080 was spent on this trip.
A total of 18 officials, including the Council President, the Secretary General, and 16 administrative staff members, conducted an eight-day study tour to Laamu Atoll to observe and gain experience from the operations of local councils. Records indicate that a total of MVR 228,486 was spent from the council budget to fund this trip.
The audit report highlighted that these trips were not conducted in the most economically efficient manner. It noted that instead of meeting with nearby city councils to understand the differences between city and atoll council operations, the council chose to visit distant locations. Furthermore, rather than involving only the relevant personnel necessary to study administrative processes, a large number of employees participated in these travels.
The audit report highlighted that despite the substantial expenditure from the council's budget, the administration failed to improve spending efficiency. It further noted that the council did not adhere to the guidelines outlined in the presidential circular regarding budget implementation, efficiency enhancement, and the government's broader policy on public expenditure reduction.
