The government has allocated an impressive $123.6 million to Walesi from 2015 until December 2022. However, despite this significant financial backing, the company has struggled to become self-sufficient, continuing to depend heavily on government funding due to inadequate revenue generation.
During a recent statement in Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communication Manoa Kamikamica revealed troubling findings from an audit. He noted that ten payments, totaling $9.3 million, could not be verified because of missing documentation. This lack of records raises concerns about whether these expenditures aligned with the intended use of the funds or met legal standards.
Kamikamica also mentioned that the audit could not accurately determine the total costs of the project relative to the budget, as there was no project closure report available to clarify actual expenses. An analytical review of inventory purchases and investments in property, plant, and equipment between 2015 and 2022 suggested that project expenditures surpassed $70 million.
He indicated that approximately $80 million, or 68 percent of the total funds spent by that point, could be classified as waste. The Deputy Prime Minister remarked, “Just imagine how many hospitals, roads, and bridges could have been constructed using these funds,” pointing to the potential for better infrastructure investments.
Additionally, Kamikamica expressed concerns over procurement processes, stating that regulations were often overlooked, with high-value contracts, such as a $3.6 million project management agreement, awarded without competitive tendering. The project manager for the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTTV) project received around $3.6 million during their engagement, further raising questions about financial management.
The matter has now been referred to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for thorough investigation. Notably, Kamikamica highlighted the concerning wastage of taxpayer money, as $2.2 million worth of red-flow batteries purchased for backup power were discarded due to improper storage.
These findings point to significant issues in management and efficiency and may indicate potential legal violations. Kamikamica assured the public that the government will take a proactive stance in addressing these matters and is committed to accountability.
The government’s move to investigate and address these financial discrepancies showcases a commitment to transparency and the prudent use of taxpayer funds, which is essential for restoring public trust and ensuring effective governance.
In summary, the government’s funding to Walesi has revealed serious concerns regarding management efficiency and financial accountability. With steps being taken toward further investigation, there is an opportunity for reform that could lead to improved resource allocation in the future.
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