The Public Accounts Committee has raised concern about a number of issues in relation to the supply of goods and services for the military following an analysis of the 2006 Auditor General's Report.
The Accounts Committee report released from the parliamentary complex today said they are concerned about the use of unauthorized suppliers by the RFMF although the matter has been raised in earlier reports.
It said the RFMF continued to purchase from suppliers other than those approved by the Major Tenders Board.
The committee said the military also continued to make unauthorized purchases from Lotus Garments of almost $9.5 million through the authorization of RFMF's Senior Military Officer without any reference to the Major Tender Board.
Furthermore, the military, according to the 2006 report had not obtained competitive quotes for purchases amounting to $423,384 and to make matters worse according to the Public Accounts Committee, there were no supportive documents to confirm that the purchases were made.
The RFMF also breached the Finance Instructions 2005 when it consistently made payments to some of its suppliers of goods and services in 2006 on photocopied Local Purchase Orders.
Public Accounts Committee member Taufa Vakatale told Fijivillage that despite these issues being raised in the report, the military is now becoming more professional in relation to administrative and financial matters.
Vakatale said certain matters need to be addressed to ensure that they are not repeated.
The Public Accounts Committee also noted that the RFMF motor vehicle records were not properly maintained nor were they regularly scrutinized by transport officers thus increasing the risk of unofficial use and abuse of government vehicles.
The accident reports were also not completed for vehicles that were involved in accidents in 2006 and early 2007.
The committee also said that the RFMF Engineers Plant Pool fuel register showed a discrepancy in the amount recorded and the actual amount contained in the fuel tank.
Concerns raised on 2006 RFMF accounts
Related Stories
COMPOL urges Lagalaga Sanatan students to value discipline and education
Students of Lagalaga Sanatan Primary School in Labasa have been reminded of the importance of education, discipline and obedience by the Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. Tudravu spoke to the students during
Heavy Rain Alert remains for Viti Levu, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the Eastern half of Viti Levu from Serua, Namosi through Navua, Suva, Nausori, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Southern Bua, Cakaudrove, Taveuni, Kadavu, Lau and Lomaiviti Groups and near
Warning letter written to Prof. Narsey – Acting AG
Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga says a strong warning letter has been written to Electoral Reform Commissioner Professor Wadan Narsey after he came out publicly with the Electoral Reform Commission report recommen
3 Fijian men from KVT gang in Sydney denied bail for AUD$12.5M drugs case
Three Fijians who are alleged to be associated with a gang supplying drugs in Sydney have been refused bail by the court. 28-year-old Eparama Nevale, 28-year-old William Ravoka, and 24-year-old George Sukanaivalu,
Proposed ‘People First’ submits application for registration
The Proposed ‘People First’ has submitted its application for registration to the Registrar of Political Parties, Ana Mataiciwa. Mataiciwa confirms that the FEO is now preparing to publish the party’s applica
Visitor arrivals on track for record year while sugar output drops
Visitor arrivals have recovered following a decline in the first quarter and based on current trends, Fiji is on track to achieve a third consecutive year of record visitor arrivals in 2025. While speaking on the p