AG delivers report on Memorial University's facilities management

Denise Hanrahan says from a weak policy environment to poor space management practices to a questionable deferred maintenance procedure, it appears MUN does not have the culture to manage its aging infrastructure.

NL’s Auditor General believes that without a reasonable plan  any funding to tackle deficiencies at Memorial University would potentially be a waste of taxpayers and students’ money. Denise Hanrahan tabled an audit yesterday on MUN with nine recommendations. She says one thing they want to see is a comprehensive facilities management strategy. The report also outlined two 2014 audit recommendations that have not been fully implemented. One was to ensure audits or inspections of infrastructure are completed to identify maintenance work is done in a timely manner. At the time, the AG also asked for a long-term plan on the aging infrastructure needs. Hanrahan says this audit found MUN does not effectively or efficiently manage its capital portfolio. She says from a weak policy environment to poor space management practices to a questionable deferred maintenance procedure, it appears MUN does not have the culture to manage its aging infrastructure.

As of last March, the university’s facilities condition was rated poor and near critical, with deferred maintenance at $481 million. Hanrahan also noted they found incomplete and outdated policies and procedures, which she says undermines the University’s ability to serve its students effectively and responsibly manage public funds. 

The full report as well as an audit overview can be found by visiting. www.ag.gov.nl.ca.