The Ministry of Education has reported cases of financial mismanagement in various schools to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). These cases involve schools that received funding for specific projects but failed to provide the necessary receipts, with many projects either incomplete or not initiated at all.
Ilisoni Waqa, the Principal Education Officer at the Ministry’s Assets and Infrastructure Services, provided this update. He stated, “We have referred cases for audit, and FICAC is currently conducting interviews and requesting documentation. We are assisting them by providing the evidence needed to support their investigations and address these issues.”
When inquired about the number of schools involved in the referrals, Waqa mentioned he did not have the figures on hand but would follow up later. He did not share additional details about the schools in question.
At Nasoki Village, there was a call for help to finish a double-storey classroom. Waqa confirmed that assistance was granted, yet the school failed to submit any receipts for proper documentation.
He stressed the necessity of responsible use of government funds and the importance of maintaining accurate records. “When funds are allocated to schools, we expect them to be utilized for their intended purposes. Schools that maintain good records are more likely to qualify for funding for future projects,” he remarked. He also encouraged schools to keep comprehensive records of all receipts for expenses related to their projects.