33 Million Dollar Discrepancy: KSAMC Social Assistance Program. An extensive investigation by the auditor general’s department has revealed a substantial financial discrepancy of 33 million dollar. The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation has been unable to provide information for its expenditures under a housing program for poor persons between 2018 and 2022.
J$33 Million Discrepancy. The Auditor General’s Department (AuGD) has expressed grave concerns about the program’s lack of transparency and accountability. These deficiencies have cast doubt on the program’s integrity and undermined its purpose.
The audit uncovered the 33 Million dollar Discrepancy over the period 2017-2018 – 2023-2024.
One aspect of the investigation focused on ten projects. The KSAMC managed these projects from June 2018 to August 2022 under the Municipal Social Assistance Program of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development (MLGCD). This oversight led to the J$33 Million Discrepancy issue.
J$33 Million Discrepancy: only J$30.3 million of J$63.3 properly accounted for
The report said that only J$30.3 million of the J$63.3 million disbursed was properly accounted for. This amount represents the construction of four houses built for two fire victims and two registered indigents.
The report indicates that auditors could not identify the beneficiaries of the remaining J$33 million worth of constructed houses. Additionally, they could not confirm whether authorities followed the essential requirements of the Ministry of Local Government, Community Development (MLGCD). This was due to the absence of beneficiaries’ names and social reports, leading to the 33 Million Dollar Discrepancy.
Gaps in oversight across aspects of the social assistance program
Further, the audit highlighted gaps in oversight across other aspects of the social assistance program, which contributed to the 33 Million Dollar Discrepancy.
While social investigation reports supported funeral grants, the auditors flagged concerns about the KSAMC’s provision of education grants.
$33 Million Discrepancy. The report raises serious questions about the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation’s due diligence. Auditors found no evidence of social investigations being conducted to validate the eligibility of individuals receiving education grants.
The AuGD said the Desmond McKenzie-led ministry provided incomplete data on the number of beneficiaries. This occurred under the program between 2018-19 and 2023-24.