Two individuals are facing bribery charges in connection with construction projects awarded by the government, as they appeared in the Suva Magistrates Court. The accused are Alivereti Tikoilakeba, a former official from the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, and Rauni Bulivakacegu, a former construction company director. Each has been charged with one count of bribery.
According to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), the allegations state that between September 15, 2016, and February 24, 2019, Bulivakacegu offered Tikoilakeba a total of $7,900 through cash and electronic transfers. This was purportedly an inducement for Tikoilakeba to approve payments and facilitate ministry projects for Bulivakacegu’s company.
Tikoilakeba is reportedly accused of accepting these payments in exchange for approving 13 payment vouchers amounting to $117,787.13 and facilitating three maintenance contracts for the construction projects.
During the court proceedings, prosecutor Sameea Nisa confirmed that the first-phase disclosures have been completed. Both defendants have been granted bail under strict conditions, which include a Stop Departure Order, the surrender of their travel documents, and a requirement to report monthly to designated authorities. The case has been adjourned to August 27, 2025, for second-phase disclosures.
This incident highlights FICAC’s ongoing efforts to maintain integrity within public service and combat corruption in Fiji. It reflects a broader trend of holding individuals accountable for misconduct in previous cases, aiming to cultivate transparency and reinforce public trust in governmental practices. As these legal proceedings progress, there is hope that they will lead to stronger regulations and contribute positively to the governance framework in Fiji.
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