The Auditor General has been called to appear before the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to explain delays in the work of the Auditor General’s Office.

At a committee meeting held today, committee members raised serious concerns about the slow pace of audits. 

Committee Chairperson Ahmed Saleem, MP for Eydhafushi, said the committee had previously discussed the issue with the Auditor General’s Office and had ensured that resources requested and funding were provided to carry out the audits.

However, Saleem said the Office was still not performing its duties properly. 

He also stressed that every day audits are delayed, the government loses valuable time and money. 

According to Saleem, the Audit Office promised to complete 621 audits last year but only managed to finish 189.

Of the 18 special audits ordered by the committee, only nine were completed.

Committee member Nazim also highlighted that delays in audit reports have affected government projects. 

One such delay has impacts an electricity project planned in collaboration with foreign partners.

Some members of the committee pointed out that certain government companies may be contributing to the delay by withholding information needed for audits. 

They suggested summoning company heads and responsible officers to the committee to explain their side.

Following the meeting, committee members agreed to schedule a session for the Auditor General to appear and provide answers regarding the delays.