The Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, is poised to receive the Office of the Auditor-General’s report this week concerning the investigation into Walesi Pte Limited. This announcement came during his recent visit to Labasa, where he addressed growing apprehensions about the state-owned digital television service.
The investigation, which was initiated last year, is focused on allegations of excessive expenditures and operational irregularities within Walesi. Kamikamica acknowledged the concerns raised and emphasized a commitment to reporting any findings to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption if warranted.
Last year, the minister instituted the inquiry to ascertain whether proper protocols were adhered to in the management of Walesi’s finances. This examination involves scrutinizing the allocation of funds, compliance with tender processes, vendor selection, and procurement procedures since the platform’s inception in 2015. Kamikamica also highlighted that about $125 million had been invested in establishing Walesi under the previous administration.
The anticipated auditor-general report is expected to shed light on whether these significant expenditures were justified and managed effectively, underscoring the government’s dedication to transparency and accountability in public spending.
This investigation represents an important step in ensuring financial integrity in state-owned enterprises, aimed at building public confidence and promoting responsible governance. As the report is awaited, there is hope that it will lead to constructive changes that will enhance the operations of Walesi and improve service delivery to the public.
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