A major issue has emerged in the financial management of the Nasinu Town Council, with missing documentation causing significant delays in the preparation of its annual accounts.

The concern was raised by Standing Committee on Social Affairs member, Joseph Nand during the council’s presentation of its 2011-2017 annual reports recently.

Council chairperson Felix Magnus acknowledged the challenges posed by the missing documents, saying it had hindered their ability to finalise their accounts. However, he said necessary measures were being taken to address the problem.

“We shall be engaging the forensic auditors to come in to have a look at these accounts and as to why these audit opinions have been recognised as such,” Mr Magnus said.

He assured the committee the forensic auditors’ opinion would be forwarded to them.

Permanent secretary for Local Government, Seema Sharma said discrepancies identified in the accounts had been referred to FICAC.

She said issues related to accounting discrepancies, procedures and processes had been forwarded to the commission.