Auditor-General flags procurement gaps in Ba Provincial Council’s WIP project for Roko Tui Ba quarters
The Auditor-General has raised concerns about Ba Provincial Council’s handling of a $29,650 work-in-progress (WIP) project for new quarters for the Roko Tui Ba, citing a lack of documentation to justify the contractor’s selection. The finding appears in the Audit Report on Provincial Councils – Volume 7, which was tabled in Parliament last week. The report states that the council incurred a WIP of $29,650 for the new quarters and notes that a review of the council’s committee minutes from March 18, 2021 showed a resolution to award the contract for the foundation and footing stage to a contractor for $28,700. However, documentation to substantiate the procurement process for the contractor’s selection was not provided. Consequently, the Auditor-General said he was unable to determine whether the WIP was incurred in line with the applicable procurement processes or whether the contractor was chosen in a transparent manner.
This incident sits within a broader pattern identified in Fiji’s provincial councils as part of Volume 7, where governance and financial reporting have faced ongoing scrutiny. The audit highlights delays in submitting financial statements, mixed audit opinions on accounts, and weaknesses in internal controls and record management. In response, reforms are being pursued by the iTaukei Affairs Board and the provincial councils, including training for finance personnel, strengthening finance committees, and improving monthly reconciliations and documentation for investments and asset ownership. While challenges remain, there is a cautious but hopeful outlook about improving transparency and governance across councils.
For residents and stakeholders in Ba, the key implication is that any procurement-related expenditures should be accompanied by complete, verifiable documentation to establish proper process and accountability. As reforms continue, officials and the public will be watching to see whether governance practices and procurement records align with public-interest obligations and standard financial reporting.
Additional context from broader audit work suggests a growing emphasis on strengthening documentary trails and formal governance structures within provincial councils. The ongoing work to clear audit backlogs and to bolster finance committees, reconciliations, and asset-management processes aims to restore public trust and enhance stewardship of public resources.
Summary context for readers: The Ba case adds to a wider set of audit findings across Fiji’s provincial councils that stress the importance of transparent procurement, robust documentation, and strengthened governance as the sector works toward greater accountability and better financial management for communities served. The reform agenda—focused on capacity-building, governance oversight, and improved reporting—continues to unfold with the goal of more reliable public financial management.
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