Here again, they've been reminded of abuses: Government paid double price for cow compensation

The Kosovo government through a decision issued during the past year had decided to compensate local farmers for the damage suffered in the death of animals from skin disease (LSD) during 2016.

This Government decision had specified compensation that for a cow leader there would be a thousand and 200 euros, for vici leaders, 500 euros, and for bulls/trests 800 euros for leaders.

However, the National Auditor's Office had found that the evaluation commission that was formed by the Government of Kosovo, or the Office of the Food and Veterinary Agency, on three occasions had compensated farmers for 2,000 and 400 euros per cow, or twice what the Government's decision had said. And that cost the government three thousand and 600 euros in losses.

Out of 46 audited cases of 60,200, in three cases worth 7,200, we have encountered irregularities where payments to farmers doubled. Farmers have been compensated/paid by $400 per pocket, while the proper value for compensation/payers was 1,200m per quadh”, the National Audition Office (ZKA) reported.

When ZKA officials made the audit of the prime minister's office, responsible officials had declared it wrong on the part of the evaluation commission and that they have asked farmers to return the money.

“Also, after accepting the draft, according to AUV officials responsible, the head of the Agency has taken appropriate measures regarding these cases by making some decisions that require farmers to return the accepted means to AUV's” budget in the 30-day term, the audit report is also said.

And for the National Audition Office, the realisation of such payments is contrary to legislation in force and that it increases the risk of budget losses.