A project management contract valued at $3.6 million for Walesi Fiji was awarded without a tender process, according to a recent audit presented in Parliament by Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica. This significant contract was associated with the Digital Television Transmission Setup project, which raised concerns regarding financial oversight and project management.
During the audit, Minister Kamikamica highlighted several alarming issues. He pointed out that the contract’s scope was too broad, lacking specific deliverables and timelines, and failed to include a closure date or cost limit. Furthermore, the audit identified four critical failures: inconsistent progress reports to the board, a lack of documentation to verify proper monitoring of project costs, absence of a project closure report upon the consultant’s exit, and insufficient evidence regarding the handover process after the contract ended.
Mr. Kamikamica expressed his dismay over the audit findings, stating, “Public funds vanished into thin air. A disgraceful squandering of resources.” He emphasized that the audit results unveil serious mismanagement from previous administrations, promising that steps would be taken to rectify these issues moving forward.
This situation presents an opportunity for the government to implement stronger oversight and management practices. By addressing these significant failures and ensuring that proper protocols are in place, there is hope for a more transparent and efficient use of public funds in future projects. The emphasis on accountability could lead to improved governance, fostering public trust in the management of resources.
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