The Ministry of Education in Fiji has submitted cases of fund misappropriation in schools to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). The issues pertain to schools that received financial assistance for various projects but failed to provide receipts, with many projects either not initiated or left incomplete.
Ilisoni Waqa, the Principal Education Officer at the Ministry of Education’s Assets and Infrastructure Services, confirmed the referrals while stating that audits are underway and FICAC is interviewing individuals and requesting documents. The Ministry is aiding FICAC by supplying necessary evidence to facilitate the investigations.
When asked about the specific number of schools involved, Waqa stated that he did not have the figures available but promised to provide them later. He refrained from disclosing further details about the schools implicated in these cases.
In a particular instance involving Nasoki Village, assistance was requested for finishing a double-storey classroom. Waqa acknowledged that while help was indeed provided, the school did not produce the required receipts.
He underscored the necessity of judiciously utilizing government funds and the importance of maintaining accurate documentation. Waqa commented that it is expected for funds given to schools to be allocated for their intended purpose and that schools with comprehensive records would likely enhance their chances of obtaining future funding for projects. He urged educational institutions to diligently retain receipts for all funding utilized.