Civil Aviation Department criticised over HK$67m spent on new HQ without approval
Work at headquarters was not approved by Treasury Bureau, the Audit Commission finds
The Audit Commission criticised the Civil Aviation Department for spending HK$67.45 million on security and electronic systems at its new headquarters at the airport without approval from the Treasury Bureau.
Its report also said the department had not sought approval before building shower facilities in the office of the director general.
"Audit has recommended that the director general of Civil Aviation should take measures to ensure that timely approval is sought from FSTB for procuring equipment in accordance with the requirements laid down," the report said.
In 2008, the Legislative Council approved funding of HK$1.9 billion to the CAD for the headquarters. The project was awarded to a contractor in 2009. The audit watchdog said that under the terms of the deal, the government was contractually bound to acquire the specified security and electronic systems at the tender price of HK$67.45 million.
"However, the CAD did not seek the [Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau's] approval for the purchase of such systems until February 2011," the report said.
Meanwhile, in 2007, the report said the CAD received approval for the headquarters with a net operational floor area of 22,775 square metres, of which 3,240 square metres was reserved for future expansion.