A recent government investigation into Fiji’s Walesi or Digital TV project has revealed concerning practices that spanned from 2015 to 2022. The initiative, designed to enhance the country’s broadcasting capabilities, has been criticized for significant mismanagement and lack of accountability.
During a parliamentary session, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, disclosed that an alarming 68% of the $123 million spent on the Walesi project was deemed wasted, labeling it a “disgraceful squandering of resources.” The audit highlighted substantial discrepancies, including missing documentation for payments totaling FJ$9.3 million, which raises serious concerns about financial oversight and the effective use of taxpayer resources.
The investigation also uncovered the awarding of lucrative contracts, such as a FJ$3.6 million project management deal, without competitive bidding or clearly defined outcomes. Furthermore, the Walesi operation was found to lack fundamental components, such as a strategic plan, contract registry, or proper risk management protocols, and it was operating outside the framework of Fiji’s Public Enterprises Act.
A technical evaluation conducted with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) pointed out serious regulatory deficiencies, noting that Walesi did not secure the necessary operating and spectrum licenses required for its operations. The network also utilized a Multi-Frequency Network instead of the more efficient Single Frequency Network, leading to higher operational costs and limited accessibility, particularly in rural regions.
Moreover, the review criticized the technology choice, particularly the use of the H.264 codec over the globally preferred H.265 codec, which rendered over 200,000 distributed set-top boxes obsolete, representing a substantial waste of public funds.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that the findings would be escalated to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for further scrutiny. He emphasized that any evidence of misconduct would be addressed thoroughly under the law.
In the midst of these findings, a reform plan is reportedly in progress for Walesi, aiming to revamp governance structures. Key initiatives include revising encryption policies to remove connection fees to the digital platform, aligning licensing practices with international standards, and developing a transparent fee structure to create sustainable revenue streams that don’t burden taxpayers.
However, some political figures, including Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya, expressed dissatisfaction with the way the findings were communicated, suggesting that the matter should have been reported to FICAC first. Koya pointed out the project’s successes, including its ability to provide free digital television service to 90% of the Fijian population by March 2023.
In light of these revelations, it is essential for the government to prioritize accountability and transparency to restore public confidence in Walesi. The proposed reforms could pave the way for a more efficient and accessible broadcasting service that benefits all Fijians, emphasizing a commitment to responsible governance and effective use of public resources.
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