FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali has established a special taskforce to delve into the operations of Walesi Fiji Ltd amid allegations of public fund mismanagement. This initiative follows a special audit concerning Walesi’s financial oversight, which was presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica.
The audit report consists of two components: a Technical Assessment of Fiji’s Digital Television Transmission Setup and a Special Audit on Walesi’s financial performance. The findings revealed that the government allocated $123.6 million for the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Project and operations of Walesi Pte Ltd from 2015 to 2022.
Recognizing the national significance of the case, Commissioner Malimali emphasized that FICAC will prioritize this matter and adhere to all necessary procedures. The special audit highlighted several discrepancies, including unverified payments amounting to $9.3 million and reported wastage of $80 million in public resources.
As part of the next steps, Assistant Manager of the Economic Crimes Unit, Alifereti Wakanivesi, has been appointed to lead the taskforce, which commenced investigations immediately.
This proactive approach by FICAC signals a commitment to accountability and transparency in government operations. By addressing these important issues, it illustrates the importance of maintaining the public’s trust and ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly.
Summary: FICAC has launched an investigation into Walesi Fiji Ltd following a special audit that highlighted significant financial discrepancies, including unsubstantiated payments and wastage of public funds. The investigation aims to uphold accountability and transparency in the management of public resources.
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