The recent findings from the Walesi report have raised significant concerns regarding financial mismanagement involving substantial government funds. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, has warned that the implications of this report could have serious repercussions for those associated with its establishment, including Opposition MP Premila Kumar.
Mr. Kamikamica announced that he has submitted the final Walesi report to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and noted that additional reports concerning allegations of financial mismanagement would soon follow. He stated, “Be ready, because some of these issues will come back and bite them in terms of what I’ll be reporting.” His comments signal a commitment to transparency and accountability, as he hopes that the report will reveal the extent of mismanagement in Fiji’s digital television service.
The Walesi Digital TV project, which saw funding of approximately $123 million allocated between 2015 and 2022, has come under scrutiny amid allegations of excessive spending. Kamikamica criticized the previous government for what he described as reckless expenditure, suggesting that the project could have been delivered at a more reasonable cost of about $30 million, saving up to $100 million that could have been allocated to critical infrastructure needs like hospitals and roads.
The audit revealed serious shortcomings in financial documentation, with reports of ten payments totaling $9.3 million lacking adequate records to substantiate their use. The absence of crucial operating licenses and adherence to procurement regulations has further intensified these concerns, with significant contracts awarded without competitive bidding. Notably, nearly 68% of the funding was categorized as waste, raising alarm bells regarding overall project efficiency.
In light of these issues, the investigation into Walesi has been prioritized by FICAC, which is committed to evaluating the integrity of public spending. Kamikamica’s push for reform highlights the government’s determination to address the mismanagement of public funds decisively.
While the findings are troubling, they also present an opportunity for the Fiji government to initiate comprehensive reforms aimed at improving accountability and governance in public projects. A proactive approach to these investigations could ultimately restore public trust in governmental institutions and improve the management of taxpayer money. By addressing these issues head-on, Fiji may pave the way for a more transparent and responsible government moving forward.
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