The inquiry by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) regarding the use of millions in public funds for the Nadi four-lane road upgrade remains ongoing, with no recent updates provided. Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau disclosed that his ministry has not yet received any new information about the investigation, which has been pending since an initial complaint against a former board member of the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) was reported over a year ago.
The Nadi upgrade project significantly exceeded its original budget of $65 million, ballooning to a total cost of $116.8 million, which reflects a cost overrun of $50.9 million. This financial discrepancy was revealed through audit findings presented last year by Ro Filipe, raising alarm about financial mismanagement within the FRA. Among the concerning issues noted was a $623,250 payment for bougainvillea plants that lacked proper tendering procedures, violating guidelines that necessitate bidding for purchases exceeding $100,000.
In related discussions, the Minister also pointed to the overbudgeting of the Queen Elizabeth Drive project, indicating a cost increase from the original $61.9 million to $65.7 million. He highlighted that the fast-tracked approval processes for significant contract changes without adequate evaluation have raised serious questions about oversight and governance.
As investigations by FICAC continue, the Minister emphasized the need for robust monitoring and compliance measures to prevent such discrepancies in future projects. These investigations and audits are critical not only for accountability but also for ensuring the efficient allocation of public resources towards essential infrastructure.
This ongoing scrutiny presents an opportunity for the Fiji government to enhance transparency and accountability in public spending, especially for large-scale infrastructure projects that serve the community. As the national focus remains on responsible governance, there is hope that lessons learned will lead to improved project management and better outcomes for the people of Fiji.
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