The Fijian government has launched the tender process for the Lautoka swimming pool project’s completion, as announced through the Fiji Procurement Office. A public notice dated November 25, 2025, from the Ministry of Finance confirmed that the government is inviting bids from both local and international contractors, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and fair competition.
This project is overseen by the Ministry of Local Government, which emphasized the importance for all bidders to adhere strictly to government procurement protocols. It is crucial for interested contractors to comply with the detailed requirements stipulated in the tender package, including technical specifications, contract stipulations, and submission guidelines.
Challenges regarding the project were highlighted in a recent report by the Auditor General, which revealed concerning mismanagement within the Lautoka City Council (LCC). The audit indicated that the LCC failed to properly plan and manage the swimming pool project, involving pre-contract payments of $289,542 to the principal consultant before any official agreement was signed. This oversight has raised questions about the overall financial management and accountability of municipal projects.
The Auditor General’s report outlined that a sample of transactions related to the swimming pool project amounted to $1,452,213 VEP, yet only $540,518 was accurately recorded in the financial statements as additions for the swimming pool in the Fixed Assets Schedule. Further scrutiny revealed that while the principal consultant was engaged from 2016, the formal contract was only signed on December 18, 2017, lacking crucial clauses related to delay damages.
The government’s new tender process marks a renewed effort to address past shortcomings and ensure that future municipal projects are executed with greater oversight and precision. By opening up competitive bidding, Fiji aims to foster a more robust and transparent procurement environment, ultimately contributing to improved infrastructure and community facilities. The hope is that these actions will lead to better management practices, ensuring that similar issues do not arise in future projects.
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