iTaukei Affairs Board Faces Tough Questions Over Financial Transparency

The iTaukei Affairs Board is under scrutiny for serious financial transparency issues, as revealed in recent annual reports covering the years 2009 to 2022. These reports are notably lacking key documents, including cheque butts, lodgement books, and bank reconciliations, which has raised concerns about accountability. Esrom Immanuel, Chair of the Public Accounts Committee, expressed disappointment, stating that the absence of such crucial records indicates a severe lapse in the Board’s financial management.

Sereana Matakibau, the Board’s Deputy Chief Executive, acknowledged the challenges and announced that a task force has been set up to rectify the situation. The Board has a backlog of missing documents that spans an alarming sixteen years and has committed to finalizing and submitting all outstanding reports from 2009 through 2023 by the end of this year.

This issue mirrors previous concerns raised in audits of the iTaukei Affairs Board and provincial councils regarding inadequate financial documentation, unreconciled accounts, and poorly trained financial personnel, which have compounded the problem over the years. The Auditor General’s Office also previously identified that the previous audit resources were disproportionately allocated to provincial councils, further hindering the financial accountability of the iTaukei Affairs Board itself.

Despite these challenges, there is hope for improvement. The Board’s establishment of a task force and commitment to rectify document management processes demonstrates a proactive approach. Moreover, initiatives to enhance training for finance officers and better document management are pivotal in restoring trust and ensuring better governance in Fiji’s financial landscape. By tackling longstanding issues, the iTaukei Affairs Board aims to improve accountability and transparency, which are essential for effective local governance.

The commitment to resolving these financial discrepancies signifies a positive trajectory towards enhancing public trust in government institutions, ultimately benefiting the communities served.