Opposition MP Praveen Bala has dismissed allegations that he was authorized by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to be interviewed regarding his role as Minister for Housing in relation to the investigations against the Housing Authority. The inquiry, conducted by the Office of the Auditor-General, focused on the illegal allocation of lots and misuse of the tender process.
While addressing Parliament during the presentation of the Review Report on the Housing Authority, Bala asserted, “I was never asked to appear before the Committee.” He further urged the Assistant Minister for Finance and PAC Chairperson, Esrom Immanuel, to refrain from making broad statements in Parliament.
In response, Immanuel informed Parliament that the Committee had previously communicated with Bala via email, which was later followed up with a phone call from a Committee Member.
The investigation emerged from public complaints regarding improper lot allocations and tenders that led to controversial ownership of lots by individuals and Housing Authority employees. Immanuel noted that the issue came to light after public outcry directed at former Minister for Housing Premila Kumar, who initiated a special investigation through the Board and the Office of the Auditor-General, as authorized under the Audit Act of 1969.
Immanuel pointed out that the investigation revealed significant findings, and the Committee believes that those implicated should face consequences as a strong deterrent and to send appropriate disciplinary messages to both the public and Housing Authority staff. He reported that 60 cases are currently with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), with one case already taken to court. “We would like to see FICAC facilitate the remaining cases,” Immanuel added.
Meanwhile, the report has received praise in Parliament, and under Standing Order 121(5), the Assistant Minister for Finance has proposed a motion without notice to begin a debate on the report’s contents during a future sitting.