AG reports EOJ breaches

The 2007/2008 Auditor General’s Report has found several procurement breaches and discrepancies with contract awards at the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ).



In her report, Auditor General Pamella Munroe-Ellis noted the non-competitive selection of a service provider and the absence of written contracts for suppliers of goods and services for amounts totaling more than $242 million.



Additionally she said several discrepancies were identified with contracts awarded for a total value of more than $32 million.



Mrs. Munroe Ellis said the EOJ’s management was asked to explain the discrepancies and ensure future compliance with the government procurement rules.



Additionally the auditor general found that inadequate supporting documents were provided for transactions totaling $973,989.



The report said the EOJ was advised to adhere to the government’s guidelines regarding the disbursement of public funds.



Of the 105 temporary polling stations constructed for the September and December 2007 elections however, only 14 were retrieved.



The auditor general said the loss of the 91 temporary stations valued at approximately $4.5 million was not reported to the Financial Secretary and the Auditor General as required.



Overpayments of salaries and allowances totaling $151,811 were also made to 12 employees and the EOJ was advised to recover the amounts.