The Ministry of Education has reported allegations of fund misappropriation in schools to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). The cases involve institutions that received funding for projects but failed to provide receipts, indicating that the projects were either incomplete or not initiated at all.
Ilisoni Waqa, the Principal Education Officer in charge of the Ministry of Education’s Assets and Infrastructure Services, shared these details. He stated, “We have referred cases for audit, and FICAC is currently conducting interviews and requesting documents. We are supporting their investigation by providing the necessary evidence.”
When questioned about how many schools were involved in the referral to FICAC, Waqa did not provide specific numbers but promised to follow up with the information later. He also avoided giving further details about the schools implicated.
In a specific instance, a request for aid in completing a double-storey classroom in Nasoki Village was mentioned. Waqa confirmed that assistance was granted, yet the school did not submit any receipts for documentation.
He stressed the necessity of prudent use of government funds and the importance of maintaining accurate records. “Funds allocated to schools should be used as intended. Institutions with thorough documentation are more likely to secure funding for future projects,” he remarked, urging schools to diligently keep track of receipts for any financial assistance they receive.