A recent special audit of Walesi Fiji’s financial activities, conducted from 2015 to 2022, has revealed significant mismanagement and potential legal violations. Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica stated that the findings, which include numerous anomalies and allegations of misappropriated public funds, will be forwarded to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) for an in-depth investigation and necessary action.
Kamikamica emphasized that the government is committed to addressing any evidence of abuse of power, misrepresentation, or fraudulent behavior, declaring that they “will not stand idly by” and will pursue all such cases rigorously under the law.
To enhance accountability and oversight of Walesi Fiji’s operations, a series of strategic measures will be introduced. Kamikamica outlined several initiatives, including a commitment to adhere to transparent tendering processes for all future procurements. Additionally, there will be a review of encryption policies to ensure that all Fijians can access Free-to-Air services without proprietary devices.
Other measures include expediting a spectrum of licenses and frequency registrations to align Walesi with appropriate licensing practices. A framework for monitoring and evaluating operations will be implemented to ensure efficiency and transparency, along with a transparent fee structure for broadcasters and service providers utilizing the Walesi network. Furthermore, the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) will be engaged to guarantee fair pricing practices.
Walesi Fiji, established in 2015 by the FijiFirst government, is responsible for managing the Digital Television Broadcasting platform in Fiji, along with implementing other initiatives relevant to the government’s digital transformation strategies.
In summary, the government’s swift action in conducting the audit and proposing new measures demonstrates a commitment to improving oversight and ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly. This proactive approach not only aims to rectify past mistakes but also seeks to establish a more accountable and transparent operational framework for the future, which can ultimately bolster public trust in government initiatives.
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