OPA released today audit report no. AR-98-02 titled "Review of CNMI's Compliance with Government Vehicle Act and Regulations, March 1995 to March 1997."

The audit showed that the government has failed to fully comply with the requirements of the Government Vehicle Act and the Government Vehicle Regulations. Some government officials themselves have disregarded the requirements and found excuses to exempt themselves and some of their staff from the requirements of the Act and Regulations. This condition occurred because of a lack of commitment by most agency heads to implement the requirements. Consequently, control over use of government vehicles is weak and has resulted in widespread misuse.

The audit showed that there are a number of government vehicles that are tinted and do not have proper markings and government license plates. Based on a list of government vehicles prepared by OPA, about 124 government vehicles on Saipan did not have the required government plates.

OPA's inspection of government vehicles also showed waste and abuse because instead of procuring less expensive vehicles that economically and effectively meet the government's transportation needs, some officials procure luxury vehicles apparently for their own comfort and prestige. Inasmuch as this practice constitutes wasteful expenditure of public funds, we questioned the intent behind the procurement of luxury vehicles, especially in light of the fact that several government vehicles are driven home by officials and employees. It appears that some government officials and employees take advantage of the privilege of using taxpayer-provided transportation to personally benefit.

Download the report (1 MB)

Download the listing of government vehicles (Appendix G) (248 KB)