The Auditor General’s Office (AGO) report on Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has revealed several corruption scandals during 2017-2018.
The audit report on the HDC’s activities from 2017 to 2018 published by the AGO audit report of HDC highlighted a number of issues. These include the recruitment of employees without following proper protocols.
According to the report, a total of 131 employees were hired in violation of the rules approved by the company’s board. The employees’ handbook states that background checks should be conducted before employment, but no such procedure was followed by HDC. In addition, some did not even submit job application forms or educational certificates, and the interview process was not conducted in a rigorous manner, according to the report.
Moreover, the report highlighted a case of misuse of the company’s staff and resources. Among them, the existing Mohamed Qasim Preschool in Hulhumale’ has been handed over to others since 2018. Individuals unrelated to HDC have taken facilities from the company to use at a social event held there.
Furthermore, the report also noted many issues related to the land allocated for the construction of a water park in Hulhumale’. The land clearance work was awarded to two companies in violation of the procurement protocols. In addition, the company did not look into the planning and execution of the work. The report also noted that the company had been paid an additional USD 400,000 to extend the deadline.
