HDh Atoll Council wrongfully disbursed MVR 172,000 to staff

The Auditor General's Office has said that the Haa Dhaalu (HDh) Atoll Council wrongfully disbursed MVR 172,000 to staff members. 

The office further stated that while MVR 385,722 was spent on various trips in 2024, the trips appear to have yielded no tangible results. 

The report, released last Wednesday, shows that these trips were made to several islands in Fuvahmulah City, Addu City, Faafu atoll, and Dhaalu atoll.

A total of 12 persons, including council members, Secretary General, and staff went on these trips. 

As per the report, the highest expenses were made on accommodation and food, with the figure reaching MVR 209,000. This includes MVR 105,600 spent on the Addu and Fuvahmulah trip, and MVR 103,400 on Faafu and Dhaalu atolls. 

The second highest expense was on tickets. Tickets cost MVR 119,462 as per the report. Additionally, sea transport cost MVR 28,680, as well as additional expenses on land transport and other purposes. 

The report states that the objective of these trips were not defined, hence making it impossible to gauge whether the desired outcomes were reached. The report instructed the council to act in line with the circular issued by the government on reducing expenditure. 

The other major issue highlighted in the audit report is the issuance of attendance allowance to staff against regulations. The council has paid an attendance allowance to staff at the rate of MVR 50 for everyday spent at work until close of business. 

Over MVR 172,000 was disbursed as attendance allowance, the report noted. The audit office highlighted that the allowance was issued against policies, and directed the council to recover the funds from staff. 

The Auditor General has previously raised concerns about a 2023 trip to Thailand by the HDh Atoll Council.