Business
Jamaica: National Works Agency unders investigation
At a minimum, the matter raises “glaring irregularities, as well as evidence of a lack of due diligence, poor implementation, improper internal controls and adherence to the principles of good corporate governance,” Christie’s office said.
Earlier this month, Jamaica’s auditor general raised numerous concerns about deficiencies in the agency’s program planning, record keeping, quality control and monitoring of a sprawling US$400 million road program mostly funded with loans from China that has stalled under a cloud of alleged mismanagement.
Among the breaches identified, Auditor General Pamela Munroe Ellis uncovered the apparent siphoning of US$1.2 million by the National Works Agency to renovate its headquarters without the approval of the island’s contracts commission.
Just like the furniture acquisition, upgrades to the agency’s headquarters such as new air conditioning and decorative tiles were authorized by tacking purchases of goods to the “institutional strengthening” line of the five-year US$400 million road contract.
The auditor-general’s revelations led to the ouster of National Works Agency CEO Patrick Wong, who has defended his management of the agency.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has assumed responsibility for the road project and said no new work orders will be issued for the infrastructure program until an independent review is finished.
Officials say the review is due in December.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.
