The Works and Human Settlement Ministry recorded the highest unresolved irregularities in 2019. According to the Annual audit report 2019, this significant unresolved irregularity amounted to more than Nu 520 M.
The highest unresolved irregularities amounting to more than Nu 292 M with the ministry was as a result of non-compliance to laws and rules. Non-compliance to laws and rules involved major financial losses due to a flawed tendering process in Gyelpoishing-Nganglam road project.
Shortfalls, lapses and deficiencies like outstanding advances, Inadmissible payment of price adjustment and avoidable expenditure in construction among others contributed more than Nu 212 M in irregularity. Embezzlement amounting to more than Nu 14 M and Mismanagement involving Nu 0.65 M were reported.
Deputy Auditor-General Chimi Dorji from the Royal Audit Authority said the significant irregularities with MoWHS is attributed to two big new projects like North-East-West highway II and Gyelposhing-Nganglam road project. “Over the last few years, we have been focusing on construction and procurement. Why? Because everybody knows ours is a developing country. There are a lot of development works. And last year we have focused on these two projects because they are on the verge of completion or many are completed,” he said.
The second highest unresolved irregularities are with the Home Ministry followed by Labour Ministry. The total unresolved significant irregularities having financial implication amounted to Nu 1.4bn as of March this year.
Samten Dolkar