The fifth witness in the trial of former Airports Fiji Limited Chief Executive, Ratu Sakiusa Tuisolia today revealed that some areas of mismanagement in the company were found after conducting a special audit investigation into the affairs of AFL in October 2006.

Upon cross examining by FICAC Lawyer Madhawa Tennakoon, former assistant examiner of accounts at the Auditor General's office from 2005 t0 2006, Ajay Nand who is now the FNPF=s Manager Audit told the court that special audit investigation was conducted following complaints from members of the public on alleged mismanagement of funds at the AFL.

Nand said due to lack of supportive documents, expenditure could not be verified as this was not available for two transactions for alleged credit card usage by Tuisolia.

Nand said it was not agreed that bank statements be used to support credit card payments as bank statements do not show the nature or details of payment and only showed amounts paid.

He said they had recommended to the AFL board to set policies and guidelines for use of credit cards and management should provide explanation for making payments without supportive documents.

He said board members, management and staff attended meetings at expensive sites and other expenses found to be excessive were alcohol and room service, mobile phone bills, management retreats after board meetings, credit card usage, donations, excessive overseas trips amounting to over $420,000.

Nand said in the case of AFL, through investigations they noted that critical policies that would make management, transparent, accountable and practice good governance were not prepared and submitted for board approval.
 
He also told Magistrate Sitabaram-pillai Tharuiraja that he and the then Auditor General had several meetings with Tuisolia and the former Chairman Villiame Leqa in relation to the complaints received.

Nand highlighted that the special audit investigation was conducted to ascertain the allegations and was forwarded to cabinet.

He further stated that there were unqualified opinions given for 2005 and 2006 by his office which means it was different from his findings after the special audit.

The trial continues in the Suva High Court this hour.


Story by: Roneel Lal