Criteria set for special purpose audit on Housing Authority lot allocation for past 10 years

The Housing Authority of Fiji has confirmed that there is a criteria for the special purpose audit on lot allocation for the past 10 years that will be carried out by the Office of the Auditor-General in Fiji.

Some of the criteria that the audit will focus include review of any lots allotted to current or ex Housing Authority staff, their families during the period and to review such transactions to assess the transparency and appropriate declaration of conflicting interests by relevant staff including the board.

Another criteria is to review and confirm that lots allocated to applicants having an annual household income exceeding $50,000 were duly endorsed by the Housing Authority Board and approved by the Minister for Housing, where applicable, in line with the Housing Authority Act of 1955.

It has also been confirmed that another criteria is the verification of information and declarations provided by all recipients of lots with the Fiji Revenue Customs Service, FNPF and Titles Office.

The Chairperson of the Housing Authority of Fiji Board Lorraine Seeto says it is important that they engage the Office of the Auditor-General to carry out this special purpose audit on lot allocation, not only because of the many complaints received, but to also uphold good governance and transparency in the organisation.

Seeto says they are expecting the report to be completed by the Office of the Auditor-General within two months of the date of commencement.