FICAC has initiated an investigation into Walesi PTE LTD after receiving an audit that reveals government spending of $123.6 million on the Digital Terrestrial Television Project from 2015 to 2022. Commissioner Barbara Malimali has assigned Assistant Manager Alifereti Wakanivesi to lead the inquiry, deemed a matter of national interest.
The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has established a specialized taskforce to conduct an investigation following findings from an audit concerning Walesi PTE LTD. This development was communicated after FICAC received the audit report today from Manoa Kamikamica, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications. As disclosed in Parliament, the Government allocated an estimated $123.6 million to the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Project to support Walesi’s operations from 2015 to 2022. FICAC has confirmed that this situation is of significant national importance, with Commissioner Barbara Malimali directing Assistant Manager of the Economic Crimes Unit, Alifereti Wakanivesi, to lead the taskforce in the investigation, which commenced immediately.
The scrutiny surrounding Walesi PTE LTD arises from a substantial financial investment by the Fijian Government into its operations through the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Project. Between 2015 and 2022, a total of $123.6 million was allocated to Walesi, signaling a substantial public expenditure in the realm of digital communications. The ongoing audit raises concerns about the utilization of these funds, prompting the establishment of a dedicated taskforce to ensure accountability and transparency within the organization. FICAC’s involvement highlights the emphasis placed on corruption prevention and governance in Fiji.
In summary, the establishment of a taskforce by FICAC to investigate Walesi PTE LTD underscores the critical nature of public accountability in government-funded projects. The audit’s findings raise essential questions about the management and allocation of significant financial resources, reflecting an ongoing commitment to uphold transparency within Fiji’s public sectors. The investigation led by Alifereti Wakanivesi demonstrates FICAC’s proactive approach to addressing potential discrepancies in government operations.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
