Rs3.9 Billion Overspent on Ineffective SafeCity

The 2023/2024 National Audit Report has uncovered serious mismanagement in public spending, particularly regarding the funds allocated to the police. From largely unused VIP vehicles to expensive and ineffective SafeCity contracts, as well as costly maintenance for helicopters that are often grounded, this report revealed a troubling pattern of resource wastage.

VIP Fleet Languishing Unused: A Monument to Waste

Out of a total of 80 luxury vehicles, a staggering 65% have remained idle, with some sitting unused for over five years and accruing unnecessary maintenance and depreciation costs.

Disturbingly, a senior official has been discovered to have the audacity to operate two VIP cars at the same time, contravening established regulations.

Safe City Project: A Financial Abyss with Mediocre Outcomes

Since its launch in 2017, the Safe City initiative has consumed a massive Rs 3.9 billion, yet it has failed to meet numerous objectives.

The traffic surveillance cameras appear ineffective in improving road safety, with the crime resolution rate lingering disappointingly low, ranging from 3.1% to 4%.

Furthermore, the project is more than five years behind schedule, with equipment still uninstalled and features non-functional, despite significant annual payments. Alarmingly, an overpayment of Rs 10.7 million remains unrecovered.

Crime Occurrence Tracking System (COTS): An Immense Yet Underutilised Investment

A staggering Rs 643.5 million has been invested in the Crime Occurrence Tracking System, but shockingly, only six of its 54 functionalities are actively deployed.

The majority of case tracking is still handled manually, while the system suffers from various technical issues and a severe lack of maintenance.

Maritime Security at Risk

The National Coast Guard’s radar surveillance system, which is now 13 years old, has operated without a maintenance contract since 2022, increasing the risk of malfunction.

Surveillance screens in the command centre have also been out of action for months, and many outer island radar stations remain non-operational due to inadequate maintenance and planning.

Although a new radar system funded by Japan is being installed, urgent temporary solutions are desperately needed.

Helicopter Maintenance: Significant Costs, Limited Availability

Millions of rupees are allocated each year for the maintenance of police helicopters, yet several remain grounded for extended periods due to administrative delays and challenges in sourcing spare parts.

The overhaul of a Fennec helicopter alone took more than two years and led to substantial additional expenses.

Lack of Transparency Regarding Traffic Violations

The audit further highlighted the lack of transparency regarding the number of fines issued by Safe City cameras and the amounts actually collected, obstructing any meaningful evaluation of the system’s effectiveness.

Delay in Renovating Line Barracks

More than two years after a devastating fire, renovations to a wing of the Line Barracks have yet to be completed, negatively impacting the working conditions of police officers.

Ongoing Payments to Suspended Officers

Public resources continue to be allocated to the salaries of suspended police officers, yet no adequate measures have been implemented to resolve their situations.

As this audit exposed the extent of inefficiency and mismanagement, it is raising a critical call for accountability within a system that has wasted billions while failing to fulfil its promises of safety and security.

Source: Defi Media