Experience trip to Thinadhoo misinterpreted as visit to uninhabited islands: Kaashidhoo Council

Kaashidhoo Council has clarified that a recent audit report incorrectly described an experience trip as a visit to uninhabited islands, when in fact the trip was to Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo.

According to the 2022 and 2023 audit reports released by the Auditor General’s Office yesterday, 18 people, including councilors, members of the Women’s Development Committee, and administrative staff, conducted an experience trip to islands in Gaafu Dhaalu from 28 December 2022 to 2 January 2023.

The council budgeted MVR 170,726 for the trip, with MVR 4,400 reportedly spent on visits to uninhabited islands including Kafena and Laabadhoo.

However, the purpose of the visit was not detailed in the trip report.

Council President Mohamed Amir told Mihaaru News that the audit’s description was inaccurate. The trip was within the jurisdiction of Thinadhoo and was conducted in collaboration with the Thinadhoo Council.

“Everyone knows that a council will not go to an uninhabited island just for an experience trip. The draft audit included that, and we asked them to correct it,” Amir said.

He added that the trip’s purpose was to strengthen relationships and that the audit report failed to reflect this accurately.

“The audit was conducted without taking into account the Decentralization Act. It is very irresponsible,” he said.