The Ministry of Education in Fiji has referred several cases of fund misappropriation involving schools to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). These cases pertain to schools that received funding for specific projects but failed to present receipts, with many of the projects either not being completed or not initiated at all.
Ilisoni Waqa, the Principal Education Officer for the Ministry of Education’s Assets and Infrastructure Services, shared that they are cooperating with FICAC, which is currently conducting interviews and requesting documents related to the audits. Waqa noted, “We have been assisting them by providing the evidence they need to support their investigations and resolve these pending issues.”
When asked about the exact number of schools involved, Waqa did not have the figures on hand but promised to provide that information later. He refrained from sharing additional specifics about the schools implicated.
One notable case mentioned was at Nasoki Village, where funding was requested for the completion of a double-storey classroom. While assistance was provided, the school did not submit any receipts to document the expenditure.
Waqa underscored the necessity of judiciously utilizing government funds and maintaining comprehensive records. He stated, “When funds are given to schools, we expect them to be used for their intended purpose. Schools with good records are more likely to receive funding for future projects.” He urged schools to keep meticulous records of receipts for all utilized project funds.