“The audit report reveals systemic shortcomings in the management of financial resources, administration of state property and organization of scientific activity, which create significant risks of inefficient and inappropriate use of public funds. According to the report, the amount of potentially lost revenues amounts to about 10 million lei over the last three years,” the ministry said in a statement.
It also said there was “inefficient use of resources and inconsistencies in payroll.” “Suspicions of unjustified salary payments of one million lei” and probable signs of double accounting were also found.
“The audit notes that the institution concluded a technical-scientific cooperation agreement under unfavorable conditions, under which about 7,200 m² of greenhouses from its assets were transferred to the use of an economic agent. The analysis of the relevant documentation shows that this agreement did not ensure the efficient use of the state property and protection of the institution’s property interests, which created significant risks of loss or reduction of its own revenues, estimated at about 10 million lei for a period of about three years,” the ministry said.
In the field of procurement and contract management, the audit revealed the purchase of goods and services without confirmation of their delivery, as well as the payment for unfulfilled or partially fulfilled works.
Also, risks of conflict of interests within certain partnerships, as well as shortcomings in the implementation of internal management control over the implementation of scientific programs were noted.
To eliminate the identified problems, the internal audit service formulated mandatory recommendations, and the Ministry of Education and Research will strictly monitor their implementation.
The scientific institution National Botanical Garden (Institute) “Alexandru Ciubotaru” is part of the Moldovan State University.
