The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has received over 60 reports of abuse of power and corruption involving the Housing Authority, highlighting significant institutional issues within the organization. These cases, which include allegations of fraud and collusion, date back to 2010.
During a recent parliamentary session, Esrom Emmanuel, chairman of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, criticized the governance and accountability practices at the Housing Authority, describing them as alarmingly inadequate. He noted that some files appear to have gone missing during audit investigations.
Emmanuel detailed findings from a review conducted by the Office of the Auditor-General (OAG), indicating a troubling lack of corporate governance, transparency, and accountability within the Housing Authority. He emphasized the absence of a Conflict-of-Interest Policy, improper verification processes, poor record-keeping, and ongoing issues of abuse of power and corruption.
He pointed out that not all tender documents related to lot developments from 2010 to 2020 were made available. Suspensions of fraud and collusion involved employees and their relatives taking advantage of lapses in authority protocols, and he urged that these matters be escalated to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for further investigation.
Mr. Emmanuel also mentioned the OAG’s inability to interview two former key employees responsible for applicant selection and lot allocation. Additionally, he stated that the Housing Authority had failed to provide documentation required for ministerial approval for customers earning more than $50,000, particularly concerning submissions from 2015 and 2016.
The issue of missing files also arose, with 12 customer files, including those from Tacirua Subdivision and Matavolivoli Subdivision, not submitted for review. Emmanuel expressed concern that the unavailability of these files suggested attempts by Housing Authority staff to obstruct investigations.