Auditor General Leigh Trotman has revealed that his investigation into the state-owned Home Ownership Providing Energy (HOPE) housing project is “bigger than [he] thought” and will take longer than expected to complete. The probe, one of two investigations into the controversial project, is now targeted for completion by the end of the year.Trotman told Barbados TODAY: “It’s bigger than I thought. So, it will probably take a little longer. Hopefully soon though.” When pressed on whether the investigation would conclude before year-end, he responded, “Definitely before the end of the year. We will see if we can finish before the end of the year. That is my target.”The Auditor General is the constitutionally appointed auditor of all government ministries, departments, funds and government-controlled entities, policing for breaches of the Financial Administration and Audit Act which regulates the receipt, control and issue of public funds. He reports annually to the House of Assembly, and his reports highlight issues requiring the attention of Parliament.
