A forensic audit into the financial practices of the Nasinu Town Council has unveiled significant mismanagement, revealing losses amounting to nearly $3.7 million between 2018 and 2020. This alarming finding has substantially hindered the council’s capacity to provide essential services to its community.
Minister for Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, shared details of the audit in parliament, noting that the investigation was commissioned by the current administrators of the council to address rising concerns over financial irregularities. “This audit has brought to light the abuse of funds. We need to uncover the full extent of these issues, which have severely impacted development at the Nasinu Town Council,” Nalumisa stated.
In response to the findings, the council has committed to improving its financial management through reforms, including the establishment of a dedicated debt recovery unit. The performance of this unit has shown positive results, collecting $2.5 million in arrears as of March 2025, marking an improvement of $400,000 over the previous two years.
Assistant Transport Minister Naisa Tuinaceva emphasized the importance of implementing stronger institutional oversight to prevent governance failures from stalling economic and urban development. He stated, “The Ministry of Local Government must enforce rigorous oversight across municipalities to prevent governance failures.”
The council is also working on new initiatives to enhance safety and community engagement, such as the installation of 130 solar streetlights in high-risk urban areas under the “Hands Across Nasinu” initiative, which aims to improve civic safety.
This proactive approach not only reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability but also fosters hope for a rejuvenated governance structure that prioritizes the well-being of its residents. With the ongoing reforms and strengthened oversight, the Nasinu Town Council is taking meaningful strides towards restoring public trust and ensuring effective delivery of essential services.
By addressing previous mishaps and embracing key improvements, the expectation is that Nasinu can emerge stronger, providing a reliable governance framework that benefits the community at large.
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