A recent government investigation into Fiji’s Walesi Digital TV project, aimed at modernizing the nation’s broadcasting capabilities, has revealed serious mismanagement and questionable practices from 2015 to 2022. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, disclosed in Parliament that nearly 68 percent of the project’s $123 million budget was wasted, describing it as a “disgraceful squandering of resources.”
The auditor’s report highlighted the absence of crucial documentation for payments amounting to FJ$9.3 million, raising significant accountability issues that hinder the assessment of actual expenses and appropriate fund usage. It also noted that high-value contracts, including a FJ$3.6 million project management deal, were awarded without competitive bidding or clear deliverables.
Additionally, the Walesi project was found to be operating without a strategic plan, contract register, or risk management protocols, and it did not adhere to the provisions of Fiji’s Public Enterprises Act. A technical assessment conducted with the help of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) showed that the network failed to secure the necessary operating and spectrum licenses for functioning and opted for a Multi-Frequency Network (MFN), a choice that is less efficient than the globally recommended Single Frequency Network (SFN). This decision has led to higher operational costs and decreased accessibility, particularly in rural regions.
The report further criticized the choice of technology, specifically the use of the H.264 codec instead of the more advanced H.265 codec, which rendered over 200,000 distributed set-top boxes obsolete right from the start. These findings are set to be forwarded to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for further investigation, with Kamikamica asserting that any discovered abuse or fraudulent activity will be thoroughly prosecuted.
In light of these challenges, a reform plan is underway for Walesi, focusing on restructuring governance. This plan includes revising encryption policies to allow fee-free connections to the digital platform, ensuring licensing practices meet international standards, and creating a transparent fee structure to maintain operations without straining taxpayers.
In response to the situation, Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya expressed dissatisfaction with how the report’s findings were presented, suggesting that the honorable approach would have been to first report it to FICAC. He also pointed out the positive aspects of the project, which has provided free digital television access to 90 percent of the Fijian population as of March 2023. Meanwhile, the Bloc 9 Group, represented by Aliki Bia, acknowledged the report and expressed anticipation for its ongoing investigation and progress.
This troubling situation, while concerning, could serve as a pivotal moment for the Fijian government to implement necessary reforms that enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency within public projects. It’s an opportunity to improve governance and ensure that taxpayer money is utilized effectively for the betterment of the nation.
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