Problems in managing transportation infrastructure and real property
Whitehorse, 2 February 2007—The Department of Highways and Public Works has significant difficulties managing transportation infrastructure and real property, says Auditor General Sheila Fraser in her Report provided today to the Deputy Speaker of the Yukon Legislative Assembly.
"The Department has a major responsibility to ensure safe and efficient public highways, bridges, airports, and buildings in the territory," said Ms. Fraser. "To do that properly, it will need to improve its management practices."
The Auditor General undertook this audit as the first in a series of audits under a long-range plan to carry out performance audits of government departments and agencies each year.
In 2005-06, the Department spent about $60 million to develop, construct, and maintain the territory's transportation infrastructure. In the same period, the Government of Yukon spent a total of about $52 million to construct, lease, and maintain buildings. The audit looked at how well the Department manages transportation infrastructure and real property.
The Report notes that the Department needs to improve its risk management practices. The Department does not have a rigorous approach to long-term planning for transportation infrastructure assets. And it has no long-term strategic approach to identify and meet government accommodation needs.
The audit identified concerns about the condition of highways and bridges in the territory. The Department is also not adequately maintaining government-owned buildings.
The audit found that many of the transportation infrastructure and building construction projects examined went over their original spending targets and most were not completed on schedule, although some of the problems were beyond the Department's control. The audit also found that the Department did not conduct the required review of completed projects.
"The Department needs to improve its performance measurement and reporting to the Legislative Assembly," said Ms. Fraser. "This should include reporting on a regular basis how it is dealing with the issues raised in this report and the condition of the transportation infrastructure and government-owned buildings."
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The report "Transportation Capital Program and Property Management—Department of Highways and Public Works" is available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada Web site.
Information:
Margot Booth or Isabelle Serrurier, Communications
Tel.: (613) 952-0213, ext. 6292
E-mail: communications@oag-bvg.gc.ca
