In 1988, Suva City Council faced significant financial challenges and was considering allocating up to $169,000 for accounting services aimed at restructuring its operations. An article published on April 6, 1998, reported that the council was waiting for a decision from the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) regarding potential funding that could facilitate free consultancy for the restructuring process.
The council had interviewed multiple local firms the previous year for this project. The list of contenders included Coopers & Lybrand, Arthur Andersen, Maxumise Fiji, and a team led by former Speaker of the House Sir Vijay Singh alongside ex-VAT Unit chief Malakai Tadulala.
Coopers & Lybrand initially presented a proposal for $215,600 but later adjusted it to $169,000 for 154 days of service. Arthur Andersen proposed $149,553 for 121 days, while Maxumise Fiji and Price Waterhouse offered $75,000 for 75 days and $65,698, respectively.
Former Lord Mayor Dhansukh Lal Bhika underscored the urgent need for restructuring, citing substantial financial strain, management conflicts, and other operational issues that had persisted over the past five months. Mr. Bhika remarked, “It is now five months since we have experienced the brunt of the crisis which we are all aware of.”
He further highlighted the council’s financial woes, including unsuccessful efforts to secure a $1 million loan from the Fiji National Provident Fund in 1997 and a current request for a $5 million interest-free loan from the government, for which no proposal had been received by Local Government Minister Vilisoni Cagimaivel at that time.
Mr. Bhika explained that the restructuring was a part of the council’s larger strategy to attain a more “affordable and sustainable level of operation” amidst ongoing financial and administrative difficulties.