Mathiveri’s MVR 300K truck: From trash hauler to trash in 60 days

An audit report by the Auditor General's Office has cast a spotlight on the A.A. Mathiveri Council's procurement of a pickup truck, a brand uncommon in the Maldives, was purchased for MVR 300,000 and subsequently rendered unusable within two months of its acquisition.

The 'Sojen' brand pickup, acquired in October 2022 at a total cost of MVR 371,000, was intended for waste management on the island. However, auditors questioned the council on February 19 regarding the vehicle's disuse.

According to the council, the pickup experienced battery and steering wheel issues within two months of operation. The difficulty in sourcing spare parts, attributed to the brand's rarity in the Maldives, further exacerbated the problem.

Adding to the concerns, the audit also discovered that the Mathiveri council is operating a pickup truck, donated by a government agency, without proper registration.

The audit report emphasized the inherent risk when high-priced goods are procured without a clear intent for long-term utility. Such practices, it noted, could impede public access to benefits and hinder essential services provided through the use of such vehicles.

In light of these findings, the audit recommended several corrective actions:

• Procurement of vehicles suitable for the Maldivian environment.

• Prioritizing common vehicle brands in the Maldives to ensure easy availability of spare parts for repairs.

• Consulting with the supplier regarding the pickup's premature mechanical issues, given its short operational lifespan.

This incident at the Mathiveri Council echoes similar issues observed in audits of other island councils, highlighting broader concerns regarding procurement and asset management practices.