A government investigation into Fiji’s Walesi, or Digital TV project, has raised serious concerns regarding mismanagement and operational shortcomings that occurred between 2015 and 2022. The project, aimed at modernizing Fiji’s broadcasting capabilities, reportedly saw up to 68 percent of the $123 million budget wasted, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica. He described the situation as a “disgraceful squandering of resources” in a recent parliamentary discussion.
The investigation revealed a lack of appropriate operational licenses and uncovered missing documentation for payments amounting to FJ$9.3 million, which raises significant accountability issues. It was highlighted that high-value contracts, including a notable FJ$3.6 million project management deal, were awarded without competitive bidding, which lacked clear deliverables.
Moreover, the Walesi project was reportedly operating without a strategic plan, contract register, or proper risk management policies, and it fell outside the regulations of Fiji’s Public Enterprises Act. A joint technical assessment with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) pointed out that the network failed to secure the necessary operating and spectrum licenses and opted for a less efficient Multi-Frequency Network (MFN) instead of the preferred Single Frequency Network (SFN).
Kamikamica noted that these decisions led to greater operational costs and diminished accessibility, especially in rural areas. The review also criticized the choice of technology, pointing out that the use of the H.264 codec instead of the recommended H.265 codec rendered over 200,000 set-top boxes obsolete right from the start, further indicating a waste of public resources.
The findings from this investigation will be forwarded to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for further scrutiny. Kamikamica assured that any evidence of misconduct or fraudulent activities would be dealt with rigorously under the law.
As a response to the findings, a reform plan is underway for Walesi, emphasizing the overhaul of governance structures. Key components of this plan include the revision of encryption policies that would eliminate fees for connecting to the digital platform, aligning licensing practices with international standards to prevent interference with critical services, and developing a transparent fee structure. Additionally, there are proposals to review the Telecommunications Act of Fiji to establish sustainable revenue streams without imposing burdens on taxpayers.
In response to the Ministerial Statement, Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya expressed dissatisfaction with how the findings were communicated and urged that the matter should have been first reported to FICAC. He also highlighted the tangible benefits the Walesi project has brought, noting that by March 2023, it provided free digital television service to 90 percent of the Fijian population.
Despite the serious concerns raised, many stakeholders, including Bloc 9 Group’s Aliki Bia, expressed optimism about the investigation and the future progress of the Walesi project.
Overall, while the allegations of mismanagement are concerning, the commitment to reform and accountability suggests a positive path forward for Fiji’s broadcasting capabilities. The move to improve governance and transparency will hopefully enhance the integrity and efficiency of public projects, ultimately benefiting the Fijian people.
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