A total of SR13 billion has been returned to the government's treasury because of 555 delayed service projects across the country, according to a report issued by the General Auditing Bureau (GAB). The report stated that the contracts of 472 of the projects had inadequate technical specifications and poor financial potential. In addition, the responsible government agencies had failed to provide proper oversight over the public contracts and procurement system. A source at the Ministry of Civil Service admitted that the ministry has five faltering projects worth over SR12 million that was approved in the government's 2009/2010 budget. Other problems faced by the ministry included the updating of its computer system, renewal of software licenses and the maintenance of its recruitment office in Egypt. The GAB report also highlighted the delay of a ring road project in Qassim region which would link all four sides of the Buraidah Governorate. It was awarded to a company 15 years ago. It was recently handed over to the Roads and Transport Administration which completed part of it. The report also noted the delay of the Radf Park Project in Taif, where work had stopped for three years. The project was withdrawn by the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and handed over to another contractor.
