SINGAPORE: 21 Government bodies in Singapore,
including 10 ministries and 11 statutory boards, have been found to
have lapses in managing public funds and
resources.
This is according to a report by the Auditor-General
Office's, which investigated complaints on such matters for the
financial year 2011 to 2012.
Among the findings, the Manpower Ministry was found
to have inadequate scrutiny when it came to awarding a tender to
buy office chairs.
The National Population and Talent Division fell short when it
allowed a tenderer to make price alterations, after the tender
closed, for the staging of an overseas event in the first half of
this year.
The National Parks Board was found to have lapses in development
projects, where nine tenders with a total value of about S$70
million, were granted by the wrong approving authority.
The report, spread over 100-odd pages, said improvements can be
made in several areas.
These include internal controls, payment administration, contract
management for work or services, and scrutiny by approving
authorities.
It highlighted the importance of meticulous documentation in
procurement processes.
The report also said procurement officers should be well acquainted
with principles of fairness, transparency, competition and value
for money.
- CNA/ck
