A recent investigation into Fiji’s Walesi or Digital TV project has revealed concerning practices regarding the management and allocation of funds intended to modernize the nation’s broadcasting system. The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, announced in Parliament that a staggering 68 percent of the FJ$123 million invested in the project between 2015 and 2022 was deemed wasted, describing it as a “disgraceful squandering of resources.”
The inquiry, which uncovered missing documentation pertaining to payments amounting to FJ$9.3 million, has raised significant accountability issues, making it difficult to ascertain actual costs or verify proper fund usage. Additionally, high-value contracts were awarded without the competitive bidding process required for public projects, notably an FJ$3.6 million project management contract.
Walesi was found to lack essential components such as a strategic plan, a contract register, and robust risk management policies. Furthermore, the project operated outside the supervision of Fiji’s Public Enterprises Act. A joint assessment with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) highlighted that the network failed to secure necessary operating and spectrum licenses and utilized a Multi-Frequency Network (MFN) technology, which is less efficient compared to the recommended Single Frequency Network (SFN).
Kamikamica elaborated that these decisions led to heightened operational costs and hindered accessibility in rural regions. The review also criticized the project’s choice of technology, particularly the use of the H.264 codec instead of the H.265 codec, resulting in over 200,000 set-top boxes becoming obsolete and representing a clear misuse of public funds.
As a result of these findings, the case will be sent to FICAC for a deeper investigation. Kamikamica assured that any evidence of misconduct would be pursued rigorously by law. In response to the situation, a reform plan has been initiated within Walesi, aimed at improving governance. Key reforms will include revising encryption policies to eliminate fees for accessing digital services, aligning licensing with international standards to prevent disruptions, and creating a transparent fee structure to generate revenue without imposing financial burdens on taxpayers.
While responding to the Ministerial Statement, Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya expressed disappointment over the timing of the disclosures, suggesting they should have been reported to FICAC first. Koya also highlighted the project’s positive impact, noting that by March 2023, it provided free digital television service to 90 percent of the Fijian population.
The Bloc 9 Group, represented by Aliki Bia, welcomed the findings and expressed eagerness to see the investigation’s progression and outcomes.
Overall, this investigation and subsequent action represent a significant opportunity for reform in Fiji’s broadcasting sector, promising improvements in governance and transparency. If effectively addressed, these reforms could enhance the efficiency of public spending and ensure better access to digital services for all Fijians, ultimately leading to a more reliable and modern broadcasting infrastructure.
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