The delay in publicly publishing audit reports for the public’s information is due to a number of factors, from the measles epidemic in 2019 followed by covid-19, the election impasse, constitutional and judicial crisis and the transition of the new government.
This is according to Auditor General Fuimaono Camillo Afele in response to Radio Polynesia questions.
Audit reports identify any shortcomings in Ministries or Government agency internal controls, to ensure they are complying with laws and regulations, audits also provide a degree of risk management and safeguard against potential fraud, waste, or abuse.
The Office of the Samoa Audit, they are at the forefront to deliver independent public sector audit services and promote improvement in public sector administration.
The latest available audit reports are from between July 2018 to June 2019.
Fuimaono told Radio Polynesia, that the covid-19 state of emergency and lockdowns have just recently been lifted this month since its commencement in early 2020 right after the measles epidemic.
He said their office has not stopped auditing however during the disruptions still conducted their audits the best way they could, using virtual means.
“The physical disruptions and lockdowns have certainly affected the finalization and submission of our reports to parliament since that last report for the year ended 30 June 2019 just before the measles epidemic.
However we are planning to submit at least 33 reports to parliament during the term of Parliament XVII, three (3) of which should be submitted at the beginning of September 2022 and four (4) by the end of December 2022.”
