On January 21, Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador, Denise Hanrahan, delivered a performance audit report to the House of Assembly on Memorial University's facilities management. This report contains findings and recommendations regarding Memorial's inability to efficiently manage systematic infrastructure issues; findings on inadequate policies and procedures intended to guide deferred maintenance; as well as details on the mismanagement of funding specially designated to addresses current and future maintenance needs.
"Memorial has a responsibility to ensure the best use of public money across its entire operation. We found weaknesses in organizational structures that reduced Memorial's ability to adequately manage its facility requirements. Furthermore, Memorial did not effectively manage deferred maintenance and it was discouraging to find that regular preventative, as well as deferred maintenance, were not done at the appropriate and recommended times, which would have maximized the benefits of available funding," commented Denise Hanrahan, Auditor General of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Memorial University lacked the policies, procedures, and oversight to ensure student-funded campus renewal fees were used appropriately. In addition, Memorial was unaware of the amount of space it was occupying or leasing during a time when it not only had a surplus of space; underutilized space; buildings that required maintenance; it was also constructing a new Core Science Building. Memorial's footprint grew from 3.8 million square feet in 2012 to 5.1 million square feet (35 per cent) in 2023, while the student population decreased by 1.4 per cent over the same period.
"The deficiencies and risks I have identified in this audit are about choices. Remedying these issues is also about dedicated effort and strategic choices, especially given there is almost $100 million needed for critical maintenance" continued Auditor General Hanrahan. "As with my last audit, gaps in policy and processes; as well as inadequate oversight, have the potential to create risk and diminish the University's ability to properly plan for the future."
The full report as well as an audit overview can be found by visiting. www.ag.gov.nl.ca.
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