A computer software system that was supposed to cost the New Brunswick government $4.5 million will instead cost $35.5 million... and it will be delivered six years late.

That's one of the major findings in the annual report by New Brunswick's auditor general.

In his report released Tuesday, Auditor General Daryl Wilson says the software system called the Client Service Delivery System was supposed to have been completed in 1998.

The system, used by the Department of Health and Wellness and the Department of Community Services, won't be finished until 2004.

Wilson said the costs got out of control partly because the Conservative government relied on the limited experience of its own employees to manage the project.

He said the province should bring in outside project managers in the future.

Fire inspections behind schedule

Wilson also took aim at the office of the fire marshal.

He says that because of a shortage of staff , the office is almost 2½ years behind in annual fire inspections.

The auditor also noted that the province has to get better value for its cellphone use.

The New Brunswick government spends about $2.5 million a year on phones but has never put air time or long distance out for tender.

New Brunswick's NDP leader calls the findings in the report a "nightmare."

Elizabeth Weir says the cost overruns for the computer software came at a time when public services were suffering because of a lack of funding.

But Health Minister Elvy Robichaud says the cost overruns began with the previous Liberal government.

Robichaud says the Tories began to make improvements when they took power in 1999.