The State is yet to recover more than MVR 930 million in compensation for environmental damage, according to a Compliance Audit Report released by the Auditor General’s Office.

The audit, covering 2019, 2020 and 2022, found that penalties totalling MVR 930,328,480 were imposed under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act. However, as of mid-September 2024, most of the amount remained unpaid. The report calls for stronger enforcement and follow-up to recover the outstanding fines.

The audit also flagged other governance issues. It found that the National Centre for Information Technology spent MVR 18.26 million on unused Microsoft licences in 2021, along with MVR 2.57 million on unassigned non-Microsoft 365 products, due to weak needs assessment and monitoring.

Further concerns were raised over poor oversight of the Home Solar Programme, including inadequate tracking of a MVR 20 million revolving fund, and incomplete waste management projects under MVR 10.7 million in grants issued to 20 island councils.

The Auditor General’s Office urged relevant agencies to improve monitoring, ensure compliance, and recover outstanding funds, particularly environmental compensation owed to the State.