THE 2024 Auditor-General’s Report has revealed that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) failed to update its fixed assets register for capital purchases worth $1,309,426 during the financial year.
The findings were outlined in the general administration sector report tabled in Parliament last week.
According to the audit, all property, plant and equipment valued above $2000 are required under the Finance Instructions 2010 and the RFMF finance manual to be recorded in the fixed assets register.
However, auditors found that numerous purchases, including IT equipment, diesel engines, tents, kitchen equipment and office furniture, had not been entered into the register.
Among the major unrecorded purchases were two diesel engines valued at $369,224 each, totalling $738,448, assorted plates, bowls, mugs and platters costing $51,913 and another purchase valued at $65,334, various kitchen equipment worth $65,121, stainless steel works at Black Rock Camp valued at $54,334, commercial kitchen equipment including kettles, strainers and knife sets worth $39,193, seven desktop computer sets costing $13,057, multiple workstation purchases valued at $12,783 each, IT equipment purchases worth $32,600, nine desktop computer sets purchased twice at $17,331 each, laptop and desktop computer purchases worth $15,026, mobile workstations worth $9,963, television screens valued at $7477, laptops costing $13,284, $12,591 and $6,642 respectively, media equipment valued at $11,371, speakers and sound systems totalling more than $18,000, drum sets and stools valued at $4261 and multiple military tents valued between $17,000 and $30,261
“The findings indicated the inadequate system of controls in the management of fixed assets to ascertain its existence and condition of all fixed assets kept by the Force,” the report stated.
The Auditor-General recommended that the RFMF comply with Section 46(1)(b) of the Finance Instructions 2010 and immediately update its fixed assets register.
In its response, the RFMF acknowledged the findings and said the register was currently being updated in line with the Auditor-General’s recommendations.
