Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has denied claims that local firm SOLE Fintech was excluded from the procurement for Fiji’s new bus e-ticketing system, saying the company “was not part of that tender” and the contract was awarded through an independent process.
Kamikamica’s remarks came after SOLE Fintech founder Semi Tukana posted on Facebook that his company was still awaiting a bus e-ticketing licence from Permanent Secretary for Trade Shaheen Ali and described the rollout as having “escalated to a disaster.” Tukana asked authorities to “give SOLE Fintech Fiji a chance” and said the change would affect about 250,000 daily bus users.
Calling Tukana’s comments “quite disappointing,” Kamikamica said the government cannot reopen or reverse a concluded tender while procurement remains in process. He acknowledged the rollout has experienced “teething problems,” but stressed the size of the deployment — covering a substantial portion of the country — makes initial issues likely. He urged commuters with problems to contact Vodafone’s toll-free number, 151, so issues can be logged and addressed directly rather than being aired only through media channels.
Kamikamica also defended the procurement integrity, saying reversing a tender outcome would risk undermining transparency and delaying the wider project. He reiterated that large-scale information-system rollouts rarely proceed perfectly and troubleshooting during early stages is normal.
Practical steps for commuters
– If you encounter problems, report them formally to Vodafone on 151 and keep any receipts or screenshots of transactions.
– If issues remain unresolved, lodge a complaint with the Consumer Council so there is a formal record to escalate.
– For lost or malfunctioning cards, follow Vodafone’s official guidance to protect and track stored balances.
Additional context and comments
– Tender integrity: Reopening a finished procurement can delay services and erode confidence in public purchasing processes. Kamikamica’s stance reflects a common public-procurement principle of protecting competitive fairness.
– Technical reality: Large IT deployments often need phased fixes. Accurate, time-stamped reports from users help operators diagnose and fix faults faster.
– Competition and access: SOLE Fintech’s request to participate highlights a broader debate over whether multiple providers would improve resilience and service levels — a policy discussion that government and stakeholders may choose to consider separately from the current contract.
Hopeful outlook
While the transition has been bumpy for some commuters, government officials and the operator have previously moved to increase resources and improve customer service in response to complaints. If problems are logged through formal channels and addressed systematically, the e-ticketing system can still stabilise and deliver the intended benefits of safer, more modern payment options for public transport.
Brief summary
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica says SOLE Fintech was not included in the independent tender that awarded the e-ticketing contract to Vodafone. SOLE’s founder has criticised the rollout and claimed a licence is pending, but Kamikamica urged commuters to report issues via Vodafone’s toll-free 151 and warned that reopening the tender would undermine procurement integrity.
Additional suggestion for publication
Consider adding a short sidebar or FAQ for commuters with up-to-date information on card replacement locations, expected wait times, and step-by-step instructions for reporting lost funds or technical faults — this practical guidance will help readers navigate the current transition.
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