Walesi Fiji received a substantial sum of $123.6 million in government grants from 2015 to 2022. A recent audit revealed that despite the significant investment, the company struggled to generate its own revenue and continued to rely heavily on government support.
According to Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica, Walesi purchased equipment worth $70 million during this timeframe; however, the audit highlighted a concerning lack of documentation for ten payments totaling $9.3 million. These missing records raised questions about whether these payments met their intended purpose and adhered to legal guidelines.
The audit process also faced challenges in assessing the total costs of projects due to the absence of a project closure report, which typically details all incurred expenses. Based on analysis, it appears that project costs likely exceeded $70 million, leading to an estimate that at least $80 million might have been wasted—equating to a significant 68 percent of the total expenditure.
Mr. Kamikamica criticized Walesi’s performance, labeling its existence as emblematic of the previous administration’s failures. He expressed that the funds wasted could have been used to build critical infrastructure such as hospitals, roads, and bridges, suggesting a dire need for accountability in governance.
Despite the troubling findings, this situation can serve as an opportunity for reform in governance and public spending. Going forward, it’s crucial that the government implements stricter oversight and transparency measures to ensure that public funds are utilized effectively for the benefit of the community. The challenges identified by the audit could pave the way for improvements in management and operational efficiency in public sector projects.
This situation underscores the importance of accountability in government projects and serves as a reminder that past mistakes can be stepping stones toward a more responsible and effective administration in the future.
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