By Seedy Jobe
A review of the central government payroll uncovered more than D855,000 in salaries and allowances paid to civil servants who were officially on leave without pay, according to a National Audit Office report released this week.
The finding emerged from a sample payroll test conducted as part of the NAO’s 2024 audit. The office warned that weaknesses in payroll oversight posed “a risk that unearned salaries will be paid to staff on leave of absence,” potentially resulting in financial losses if the funds are not recovered.
Auditors urged the management of relevant departments to recover the payments “immediately” and to submit receipts confirming repayment.
“The management should ensure that the amount paid is recovered immediately and recovery receipts forwarded to the audit team for confirmation,” the auditors recommended.
In its written response, management acknowledged the irregular payments but said the amounts should be viewed in four categories. It said D30,134.10 involved employees whose leave approvals were issued prior to their departure, and therefore “no recovery is required.” Another D180,338.35 was attributed to employees who were overpaid but have since resumed duty, adding that recovery would be deducted from their salaries.
The management response further stated that D638,315.53 was paid to employees still on leave. Officials said they had contacted the workers’ banks to return the funds. An additional D6,460.00, they noted, had already been reimbursed by the recipients.
After reviewing the responses and supporting documents, the auditors maintained that officers on study leave continued to receive salaries totaling D800,279.88, in breach of the General Orders governing public service employment.
“We advise that recoveries be made from respective individuals without delay,” the report concluded.