Significant contracts, including a substantial project management agreement valued at $3.6 million for Walesi Fiji, were awarded without the customary tender process. During a presentation of the company’s special audit in Parliament, Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica highlighted that the appointed project manager was compensated this considerable amount for the Digital Television Transmission Setup project.
Kamikamica stated that the review of the project management contract uncovered several issues, including an overly broad scope of work, vague deliverables, a lack of specified timelines, and no closure date or cost limit stipulated in the contract. The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out four major concerns identified in the audit: inconsistent progress reports submitted to the board, absence of documentation to verify if project costs were appropriately monitored, no closure or status report provided upon the consultant’s exit, and a lack of evidence confirming proper project handover at the contract’s termination.
He expressed that the audit findings revealed significant operational shortcomings within Walesi Fiji. “Public funds have seemingly vanished into thin air, indicating a troubling misuse of resources,” he remarked, labeling the situation a “disgraceful squandering.” Kamikamica emphasized that the revelations from the audit sharply delineate the failures of previous management, assuring that corrective measures will be implemented.
In light of these revelations, there exists hope for reform and accountability in the management of public resources. With the government now aware of these failings, there is an opportunity to instigate necessary changes that enhance transparency and ensure that public funds are utilized effectively in future projects, possibly restoring public trust in such initiatives.
Leave a comment