Audit finds MVR 300k spent on experience trips by H.Dh. Council

The Haa Dhaalu Atoll Council spent more than MVR 358,000 on experience trips and paid over MVR 172,000 in attendance allowances to employees in violation of a Civil Service Commission (CSC) directive, according to a compliance audit report.

The 2024 audit of the H.Dh. Atoll Council Office revealed that MVR 358,722 was spent on a trip to Faafu, Dhaalu, Addu and Fuvahmulah by 12 council members to gain experience. The audit found that the expenditure was not in line with directives issued by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Local Government to control public spending and improve efficiency.

H. Dh Atoll Council 2024 - Compliance Audithttps://t.co/ZhrgxHA3zT pic.twitter.com/fFKv1sB1hX

— AGO (@AuditMV) January 19, 2026

Although the stated purpose of the trip was to observe council operations, the audit noted that it was not confirmed whether meetings were held with the councils of the islands visited. It also found that the objectives of the trip and how the experience would be applied in the council’s work were not defined beforehand.

The audit further found that the renovation of the State House building was awarded for MVR 683,298, but several works listed in the project sheet were not completed. Despite changes in scope, the price remained unchanged. The audit flagged that the work was not inspected, no completion documents were prepared, and the changes were not formally recorded.

Additionally, the council paid MVR 172,250 in attendance allowances to its employees between July and October last year, in direct violation of a CSC order.