The Fiji Servicemen’s After-Care Fund faced intense questioning today during its appearance before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. This 81-year-old institution is under scrutiny following revelations of neglected audits that have raised significant concerns regarding its transparency and credibility.
Acting Assistant Auditor General Abele Saunivalu stated that the Fund has not provided financial accounts for the years 2018 to 2024. In response, Secretary Serevi Nanai acknowledged that the organization has faced identified systematic challenges, including a system failure that compromised their financial record-keeping, leading to a backlog of submissions.
Despite these setbacks, Nanai assured the committee that the Fund is committed to resolving these issues incrementally, aiming to complete and submit the accounts for 2018-19 by the end of the current financial year. He emphasized their intent to overhaul the Fund’s operations to deliver clear, detailed, and timely financial records aligned with contemporary accountability standards.
The challenges faced by the Fiji Servicemen’s After-Care Fund mirror broader issues of financial mismanagement that have been flagged in various government entities in Fiji, including the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force. Recent audits have uncovered similar deficiencies, prompting calls for improved governance and accountability in public financial management across these institutions.
As the Fund commits to implementing reform and bolstering its financial practices, there is a hopeful perspective that these efforts can restore trust among stakeholders and the public, aligning with the ongoing trend toward enhanced transparency in Fiji’s financial governance. By addressing outstanding audits and committing to modern accountability measures, the Fund may pave the way for improved oversight and management of military veterans’ affairs, ultimately benefiting those it serves.
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