Auditing irregularities are said to be common in construction-oriented ventures. The Auditor General, Dasho Ugen Chewang, said the audit officials have to be extra cautious while dealing with such ventures.
Dasho was speaking at the Auditing Sensitisation Programme in Monggar yesterday.
As the part of the programme, the Auditor General briefed hundreds of sector and regional heads, and the local government representatives on the role and responsibilities of the Royal Audit Authority.
“When we award the contract, we keep proper record of the documents but during the handing-taking, there often is no proper monitoring which later poses problems,” said Dasho Ugen Chewang.
Some of the participants said there are grey areas when it comes to audit rules and regulations. They said the rules do not specify ways to make contractors accountable.
“If the contractors are made to get audit clearances just like any other civil servants, we can see quality and timely construction works in the future,” said the District Engineer, Tshering Nidup.
The participants also said their works entail high risks and more often than not, they have to shoulder heavy workload. The Auditor General assured that the office will look into the matter soon.
The Royal Audit Authority will also be conducting similar programmes in other dzongkhags, mainly to educate newly elected local leaders and officials.