Social Audit

Project Overview

The social audit programme conducted in Fuvahmulah City focused on the construction of a Holy Quran Centre in the Hoadhadu district of the island. The project was announced by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

This project was awarded to the only bidder, Riser Pvt Ltd, after the third announcement on 11 January 2022. The contractor won the bid for MVR 12,036,084.19 (USD 776,568.15) on 22 February 2022 under National Competitive Bidding. As evidenced by the letters exchanged between the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, and Riser Pvt Ltd, the amount quoted by the contractor was above the budget for this project, although the budgeted amount is not clearly stated in any of the documents. However, as it was the only tender and the contractor was hesitant to lower the price, this amount was accepted as the final price for the project.

It should be noted that while this project was to be completed within 365 days of site possession, it had not been completed as of 29 May 2023, as observed during the social audit.

Key Findings

• Delay in meeting with the council despite a prior commitment.
• Public institutions are hesitant to engage with citizens, especially with the concept of social audits and with citizens asking questions.
• Public knowledge of the project is poor, which leaves the public uninterested in participating in civic activities and in scrutinising decisions made at different levels.
• The construction site was not properly covered, and the only notice board was the one used to inaugurate the construction of the project, which stated only the name of the project.

Full Report