Opposition Member of Parliament Alvick Maharaj has called for significant reforms to the iTaukei Affairs Board, labeling it a crucial institution that must start delivering tangible results. Speaking before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Accounts, he emphasized the necessity for the committee to engage with the board to understand its future strategies and plans.
Maharaj articulated his concern regarding the iTaukei Affairs Board’s current performance, stating, “This is a very important iTaukei institution that needs to be reformed and rebuilt upon.” He urged the committee to meet with the board ahead of finalizing a report addressing an extensive audit backlog that stretches back several decades. The lack of audited accounts for the board since 2007 underlines the importance of these discussions.
In connection with his suggestions, Maharaj advocated for a comprehensive evaluation of three interconnected bodies: the iTaukei Affairs Board, provincial councils, and provincial companies. He stressed the importance of collaboration among these organizations for the betterment of the iTaukei community, emphasizing a proactive approach to prevent falling behind in accountability and financial reporting.
The committee chairman, Esrom Immanuel, expressed support for Maharaj’s recommendations and stated he would inquire with board members regarding their understanding of past accountability issues. This alignment of priorities showcases a collective commitment among governmental bodies to address persistent challenges in financial management within provincial councils, which have also faced criticism for inadequate qualifications of finance personnel and delayed audits.
Efforts to rectify these issues are ongoing, with training programs being established to enhance the capabilities within provincial councils. The iTaukei Affairs Board’s optimistic commitment to clear the audit backlog by December demonstrates progress on this front.
These developments reflect a potential for improved governance and accountability within Fiji’s public institutions, reinforcing a hopeful outlook for enhanced collaboration and effectiveness in serving the iTaukei community and restoring public trust in local governance structures.
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