OAG completes lot allocation probe
THE special investigation on the allocation of lots and award of tenders by the Housing Authority of Fiji has been completed and the report was handed to the chairperson of the Housing Authority Board on Wednesday.
The Office of the Auditor-General said in a statement the investigation was carried out by the OAG under Section 6(3) of the Audit Act 1969 which provided that the auditor-general may conduct audits and special investigations as he or she considered appropriate.
“The OAG resources have also been adversely affected due to the impact of COVID-19, the need for greater accountability has increased,” it said.
“Despite this, OAG was able to allocate resources to prioritise the investigation due to the great interest the matter generated amongst the members of public,” the statement read.
The report highlighted the findings of the special investigation to the board as per the agreed terms of reference.
“It also provides recommendations on how improvements can be brought about in the future allotment of lots in the subdivisions developed by the authority and in its overall governance processes.”
The OAG also stated there would be similar audits and investigations carried out as part of value-added services of OAG in the next five years.
“In addition to the above, assurance reviews of off-budget state entities, monitoring and evaluation of the five-year and 20-year National Development Plan, environmental audits including climate change and extractive industries would be carried out under the new strategic direction of the OAG.”
The OAG resources have also been adversely affected due to the impact of COVID-19, the need for greater accountability has increased
– Office of the Auditor-General