The long-awaited forensic audit report remains to be tabled or discussed in cabinet, according to Finance Minister Lautimuia Uelese Va'ai. 

In response to queries from Samoa Observer on Wednesday, Lautimuia confirmed that while the report is expected to be ready "soon," its presentation in the cabinet—and potentially in parliament—has not occurred yet.

When asked if the report would be tabled in parliament soon, Lautimuia responded, “I’m not sure,” but reassured that it had not yet been reviewed by the cabinet. 

The forensic audit, conducted by New Zealand-based firm B.D.O. (Binder Dijker Otte), was initially set to be completed by October 2023. 

However, the company was granted an extension until December 2023, largely due to the disruption caused by the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Samoa last October. 

The audit was commissioned to investigate financial and infrastructural projects carried out during the tenure of former Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, including high-profile developments such as the Vaiaata Prison (constructed by prisoners), Ti'avea Airport, Satitoa Wharf, and the National ID Project.

The forensic audit was originally intended to cover over 20 major projects, but in April 2024, Lautimuia revealed that only 13 projects would be included in the first phase. 

This reduction in scope was attributed to budget constraints and the limited timeframe set by BDO New Zealand. Although BDO had initially aimed to complete the audit within three months, the final deadline was extended to October with another extension granted to be completed by December. 

Lautimuia in a previous interview explained that the $696,000 contract awarded to BDO New Zealand was based on their ability to meet the budget and timeline requirements. 

To accommodate the growing costs, the government allocated an additional $500,000, bringing the total budget for the audit to $1 million. 

Lautimuia has also emphasised that the audit process was conducted in partnership with Samoa’s Internal Audit Division.

The opposition, led by former Prime Minister Tuilaepa, has expressed frustration over the lack of updates on the progress of the taxpayer-funded investigation. 

"The public deserves to know the outcome of this audit," Tuilaepa stated, urging the government to be transparent with the findings. 

He also raised concerns over whether the report had already been submitted, stressing the importance of accountability in the management of public funds.