An audit report has revealed that in 2023, the Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Council expended half a million Rufiyaa on an educational excursion to Thailand. The stated purpose of this trip was to research advancements and acquire knowledge in the areas of agriculture, good governance, and local tourism.
According to the audit report, MVR 559,168 was spent on the trip, which included 10 council members.
The audit report noted that this expenditure occurred after the Finance Ministry issued a circular to all government agencies advising control over government expenditure and increased efficiency. Therefore, the report concluded that the trip was not in accordance with the directive.
The audit report further indicated that the expenses for the trip were drawn directly from the budget, without seeking any external assistance or sponsors.
The GDh. Atoll Council’s Secretary General (SG) accompanied nine members of the council. The audit report highlighted that the largest portion of the expenses, totaling MVR 322,894, was allocated to day-to-day expenses and pocket money.
Other expenses incurred during the trip included:
Tickets: MVR 87,123
Incidental Expenditure: MVR 23,130
Stopover Cost: MVR 15,420
Domestic Expenditure: MVR 33,850
Accommodation and Food (Male’): MVR 27,900
Other travel expenses: MVR. 48,851
The audit report reiterated that the trip aimed to gain experience in local tourism, good governance, and agriculture. During their visit, the GDh. Atoll Council met with the Maldivian Embassy in Thailand and the Tourism Promotion Board of Thailand.
In its recommendations, the audit report directed the Atoll Council to adhere to the guidelines of the Ministry of Finance regarding expenditures. It also advised against spending such substantial sums on trips and encouraged seeking assistance and sponsorship from external sources to avoid depleting funds earmarked for essential work within the atoll.
Furthermore, the council was directed to prioritize large budgetary expenditures for the economic development of the islands. It was also recommended to consult with Visit Maldives on tourism-related matters.
The audit report additionally recommended systematic action through the Local Government Authority (LGA) for acquiring training and experience.
It is noteworthy that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has previously expressed dissatisfaction with the significant costs incurred by councils for such travel related to experience and training.
Conversely, the opposition has voiced concern, characterizing the expenditure as a threat to decentralization.