LARGE sums of funds have been spent on renovations to Macuata House, compared to the income received from rent.
The issue was raised during the Standing Committee on Public Accounts consultation at the Labasa Civic Centre.
Chair Esrom Immanuel said rent received from Macuata House was around $718,000, while maintenance expenses were significantly high.
The Auditor-General, Mr Immanuel said, had pointed out that $283,000 was spent on maintenance in the 2017 to 2018 financial year, and that figure rose to $911,000 in 2018.
“The council was paying for those major repairs and maintenance,” he said.
Committee member Alvick Maharaj said according to financial statements from 2017 to 2018, the rental income from Macuata House far outweighed other sources of income.
“The records showed that subvention funds amounted to $60,000, provincial rates were $43,000, while Macuata House rental income reached $718,000,” he said.
Mr Maharaj said there is still no legal agreement between those renting at Macuata House and the provincial council.
