– AG report says

The 2007 Auditor General Report has noted major discrepancies in the rental of the First Federation building, which is controlled by the State Solicitor’s Office.

The report said the First Federation Building, which is controlled by the State Solicitor’s Office, was occupied by 37 tenants but only one tenancy agreement is up to date. According to the report, 16 tenancy agreements were outdated, some of which were dated as far back as 2000. And 20 occupants had no tenancy agreements. “Payments for rental were backlogged and tenants did not respond positively to rental notices,” it added.

In response, the Head of the Budget Agency within the Ministry of Legal Affairs said that most tenancy agreements for the First Federation Building are not renewed “due to outstanding rent dating back to ten years and more.

“Letters were sent to each tenant to pay arrears owing so as to update records, however, only a few responded.”
Further, it was noted that “by Cabinet Paper 2008-09-18, the Attorney General’s Office was asked to examine the feasibility of using the building to house magistrate and other courts; and government offices.”

The report recommended that the ministry discuss with the Attorney General the possibility of recovering the outstanding rents from defaulters through the filing of legal action. It also urged that action be taken to “solidify agreements where these do not exist in writing, so as to ensure that contractual obligations are properly evidenced.”

Meanwhile, the report said, “an examination of the rental register of the First Federation Building revealed that this was not properly maintained and pertinent information, such as, receipt numbers, amount of rent due, etc. were not recorded.” It further stated that the ministry was unable to determine if tenants were paying the correct amounts, the agreed period of the tenancies, rental amounts outstanding or due and payable to the State Solicitor’s Office.

The Head of the Budget Agency indicated that the ministry will ensure that this register is properly maintained.
The report was tabled in the National Assembly on Thursday.