GA. Atoll Council’s trip to Dubai cost over MVR 500,000

The Audit Office has revealed that a trip by the GA. Atoll Council to Dubai, the commercial hub of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), cost the council over MVR 500,000, stating the purpose was to gain experience.

According to the 2023 compliance audit report by Auditor General Hussain Niyazi, ten members of the GA. Atoll Council participated in the trip. The total cost amounted to MVR 566,917, with the majority, MVR 443,633, spent on food and accommodation.

The report also highlighted that in addition to ticket expenses, a significant amount, MVR 43,947, was allocated as pocket money for the participants. Ticket costs alone totaled MVR 66,306.

Furthermore, the audit noted MVR 11,043 in incidental expenses that were claimed without receipts, in addition to the billed and documented expenditures.

The council stated that the purpose of the trip was to observe and learn about the operations of local councils in the UAE. During the visit, members toured municipal councils in Dubai and newly developed residential areas.

Following the audit, the Auditor General's Office advised the GA. Atoll Council to seek sponsorship for such trips in the future.