Male, Maldives – Tourism Minister, Dr. Abdullah Mausoom has revealed that action has been initiated against the misconduct highlighted in the audit report by the Auditor General’s Office.
Speaking on a programme by local news channel Raajje TV, Minister Mausoon revealed that action has been initiated against the misconduct, and that discussions are being conducted with relevant institutions regarding the matter.
He also added that instructions have been received from the President’s Office, regarding the matter as well, which will be implemented, along with the set of recommendations highlighted in the audit report.
Revealing that his aim is to ensure that the Tourism Ministry holds public confidence, Mausoom said the actions will be taken accordingly.
While this is so, the audit report revealed that the Tourism Ministry had authorized expenses reaching MVR 26 million with regards to Covid-19, however, out of which 99% was not necessary expenditure by the Ministry.
The report also highlighted that the Ministry procured equipment exceeding the requirement requested by the National Disaster Management, along with setting a professional fee of MVR 7.8 million for six experts flown into the country to establish an international response and coordination medical team.
In addition to this, the report also revealed that MVR 1.9 million was spent on the installation of thermal imaging cameras at Velana International Airport (VIA), however without the recommendation of the bid committee prior to contracting Secure Source International (SSI) for the task.
Following the findings of the audit report, ACC has initiated in investigation into the matter as well.
