The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has announced that it has officially received an audited report concerning Walesi from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communication, Manoa Kamikamica. This communication was made public in a statement from FICAC, which confirmed that the report will be prioritized and processed through the Commission’s established procedures.
The report is divided into two key sections: one focusing on the Technical Assessment of Fiji’s Digital Television Transmission Setup and the other providing a Special Audit on the financial management of Walesi. FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali has launched a special task force to delve into the issues raised in the report, especially since it revealed that the government allocated a significant sum of $123.6 million for the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Project and Walesi’s operations between 2015 and 2022.
This inquiry is of national significance and was highlighted in Parliament during a Ministerial Statement by Kamikamica regarding Walesi’s technical and financial review. The special task force, led by Alifereti Wakanivesi from the Economic Crimes Unit, has begun its investigation as of today.
This proactive approach by FICAC demonstrates a commitment to transparency and accountability in public finances, which is vital for fostering trust in governmental operations. As the investigation unfolds, it presents an opportunity for Fiji to strengthen governance frameworks and ensure the responsible use of taxpayer money within its digital infrastructure initiatives.
In summary, FICAC is taking significant steps to address potential issues in Walesi’s financial management, underscoring the importance of examining public spending in the context of national interests.
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