Auditor General Heather Jacobs Matthews today released a highly critical special report on Bermuda’s first emissions testing programme.

She said: “This report, which focuses on Government’s management of the programme, describes a lack of accountability and a general disregard for established policies and procedures in the use of public funds.”

The motor vehicle safety and emissions testing programme was introduced two years ago at the new TCD centre.

The Auditor’s report highlights major concerns including:

* a programme which was compromised from the outset:

* non-compliance with Government’s tendering policies and payment procedures:

* failure to obtain Cabinet approval prior to signing of contracts relating to the construction or operation of the testing facilities: and

* failure to vet the operating agreement and the related annual operating expenses.

“The manner in which the programme was managed provided little oversight by Government,” said the Auditor General. “But resulted in Government retaining all the financial risks while effectively relinquishing control over the developmental costs to a consultant company.”

The report shows that the initial budget cost of the programme was $5.3 million, but by the time it was completed, the programme cost the taxpayers $15.23 million.

The special report also reveals that the consultant company awarded contracts for the construction of the three emissions facilities to a company related by common ownership.

The consultant company was subsequently awarded a contract by Cabinet to operate the emissions testing facilities which could cost the taxpayer approximately $24 million over a ten-year period.

see this website for updates and an in-depth look at the report in tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.