The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) utilised about 81 per cent of its allocated budget in the 2017-2018 financial year.
Opposition Whip Alvick Maharaj said this during his reply to motion moved in Parliament yesterday to debate the review of the FCS annual report 2017–2018.
“It was noted that during the review of the FCS utilised a total of 81 per cent of its budget allocated for the fiscal year,” he said.
“It was noted that unutilised coverage of the expenditure was the result of some pending projects that were yet to be completed in due time.”
In his contribution, Attorney-General Siromi Turaga said the FCS carried out its work in the recorded year with an allocated estimated budget of $38.8 million.
“The annual report also reflects the operations and administration of the FCS through the collaborative effort of its staff and stakeholders in achieving its target for the 2017-2018 financial year,” he said.
The A-G said the potential discrepancies in the financial statement provided in the annual report were also identified.
“However, as advised by the FCS, the annual report shows the audited annual financial statements whereas the budget estimate shows an unaudited financial budget.”
Mr Turaga said the FCS would work closely with the Office of the Auditor-General and Ministry of Finance in the preparation of financial statements moving forward.
