Magistrate Sentences Former Water Authority Of Fiji project leader

Bribery and corruption in society should not be treated leniently.

These were the words of Magistrate Indula Ratnayake while sentencing former Water Authority of Fiji’s project leader of integrated meter management, Tuimasi Cataki.

Cataki was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment with three months to be served and a fine of $2000 to be paid immediately or an extra 200 days in prison would be incurred.

The remaining seven months was suspended for two years.

Cataki was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) last year with one count of bribery for accepting $500 from the Director of Sphynx Solutions Pty Ltd, who had just been awarded a purchase order for the supply of 200 meter boxes by WAF.

Magistrate Ratnayake said the acceptance of the money was a violation of his role as a public official, especially since he was responsible for handling all dealings with Sphynx and upon receiving the $500, had failed to declare it to WAF which was a breach of their procedures.

“The accused abused the authority entrusted to him for personal gain and the amount he received was indeed an advantage.

“The accused had acted in breach of the trust placed on him by the State,” Magistrate Ratnayake said.

Feedback: ashna.kumar@fijisun.com.fj