The Ministry of Education has reported instances of fund misappropriation in schools to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
These incidents concern schools that received financial support for projects but failed to provide receipts, and many of these projects either remain incomplete or were never initiated. The information was disclosed by Ilisoni Waqa, the Principal Education Officer at the Ministry’s Assets and Infrastructure Services.
“We have referred cases for audit, and FICAC is currently conducting interviews and requesting documentation. We are assisting them by supplying necessary evidence to support their investigations and address these outstanding issues,” Mr. Waqa stated.
When inquired about the number of schools implicated, he replied, “I don’t have the figures right now, but I will follow up on that.” He also refrained from sharing specific details regarding the schools involved.
In Nasoki Village, there was a request for help to finalize a double-storey classroom. Mr. Waqa confirmed that assistance had been rendered, yet the school did not provide the necessary receipts for documentation.
He stressed the significance of judicious government fund usage and proper record-keeping. “When schools receive funds, we expect them to be utilized for their designated purpose. Schools with diligent record-keeping are more likely to secure funding for future initiatives,” Mr. Waqa remarked.
He urged schools to maintain comprehensive records of all receipts related to project funding.