A specialized Sub-Committee has been established by the Parliament to conduct a thorough investigation into two significant reviews: ‘The Review of the Housing Authority – Special Investigation on the Allotment and Tender Process’ and ‘The Review of the Special Investigation Report on the Procurement of Goods and Services at the 52nd Asian Development Bank Annual Meeting.’
This move comes after former Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu invoked Standing Orders 20 to initiate the formation of a Public Accounts Sub-Committee aimed at further probing unresolved issues highlighted by the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
Speaker of Parliament, Filimone Jitoko, announced that the Sub-Committee, consisting of Chairperson Ratu Josaia Niudamu, Deputy Chairperson Joseph Nand, along with members Alipate Tuicolo, Taito Rokomatu, Ketan Lal, and Sanjay Kirpal, will specifically focus on the findings from the two reviews and is expected to submit its report to the Office of the Speaker by June 2025. The Terms of Reference for this investigation will be distributed to the MPs involved today.
The decision for further investigation reflects ongoing concerns about transparency and potential mismanagement in the procurement processes associated with high-profile events, including the ADB Annual Meeting that previously attracted scrutiny for exceeding budgetary allocations and alleged financial discrepancies.
This initiative is crucial for reinforcing oversight measures within public finances, aiming to restore citizen confidence in government financial management—an essential step towards ensuring accountability for past expenditures and enhancing future procurement processes.
Amid these challenges, the establishment of the Sub-Committee represents a proactive effort towards transparency and reform, fostering hope for improvements in governance and public trust in institutional operations.
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