A recent special audit into the financial dealings of Walesi Fiji from 2015 to 2022 has revealed critical instances of severe mismanagement and potential legal infractions. Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica confirmed that the findings, which include several discrepancies and alleged misuse of public funds, will be referred to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption for comprehensive investigation and possible legal action.
Kamikamica emphasized that the government is committed to addressing any evidence of corruption or fraudulent practices with utmost seriousness. To promote accountability and ensure proper oversight of Walesi’s operations going forward, he outlined several strategies. These include strict adherence to transparent tendering processes for all future procurements, a review of encryption policies to guarantee that all Fijians can access Free-to-Air services without proprietary devices, and an accelerated issuance of licenses and frequency registrations to align Walesi with established licensing protocols.
Additionally, the government plans to establish monitoring and evaluation frameworks to enhance efficiency and transparency. A clear fee structure for broadcasters and service providers utilizing the Walesi network will also be introduced, with the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) involved to foster fair pricing practices.
Walesi Fiji, founded in 2015 by the FijiFirst government, is tasked with the application and management of the digital television broadcasting framework in Fiji, as part of broader digital initiatives.
This audit represents a vital step towards restoring public trust in the governance of state enterprises, illustrating the government’s willingness to confront mismanagement and ensure that public resources are utilized responsibly and transparently.
In summary, the audit’s findings are alarming, yet they also pave the way for necessary reforms aimed at enhancing accountability and protecting the interests of the Fijian public. Moving forward, these actions could foster greater confidence among citizens regarding the integrity of public services.
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