The government of Fiji has allocated a significant $123.6 million to Walesi from 2015 until December 2022. However, this substantial funding has raised concerns about the company’s dependency on government support due to its failure to generate adequate revenue independently. This information was shared by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communication, Manoa Kamikamica, during his recent statement in Parliament.
Mr. Kamikamica highlighted serious discrepancies in the financial documentation, noting that ten payments amounting to $9.3 million lacked proper substantiation, as the relevant records were missing. This absence of documentation made it impossible to ensure that these payments adhered to both the fund’s intended purpose and legal regulations.
Furthermore, the audit could not accurately assess the actual costs of the project against the original budget due to the lack of a project closure report that would outline a detailed account of expenses incurred. However, preliminary analysis suggested that the project’s costs from 2015 to 2022 surpassed $70 million.
In a critical revelation, Mr. Kamikamica stated that approximately $80 million, representing 68% of the total expenditure, might be deemed wasted. He emphasized the lost opportunities for public infrastructure development, pondering how many hospitals, roads, and bridges could have been constructed with these resources.
The Deputy Prime Minister also pointed out significant procurement violations, such as the awarding of high-value contracts—including a $3.6 million project management contract—without a competitive tender process. Additionally, a troubling report indicated that $2.2 million in red-flow batteries intended for backup power was discarded due to improper storage, representing a considerable waste of taxpayer money.
Given the severity of these findings, the situation has been forwarded to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for further investigation. Mr. Kamikamica underscored the government’s commitment to addressing these issues, stating that they will not overlook the evident mismanagement and potential legal infractions.
This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in public spending. As the investigations unfold, there is hope that comprehensive reforms will emerge, leading to better management of public funds and ensuring resources are directed towards projects that benefit the community.
Leave a comment