SHINE A LIGHT: Unraveling The Aftermath In TC Winton
Tropical Cyclone Winston struck Fiji more than seven years ago, leaving the country with the mammoth task of recovering and rebuilding form its devastation, and in the process many unanswered question.
Wednesday 24 January 2024 | 08:17
Many Fijians were left without a roof over their heads after TC Winston made landfall. Photo: Fiji Sun
Several initiatives were introduced by the FijiFirst Government at the time to help affected Fijians.
Two of these initiatives were the 'Help for Homes' and rehabilitation of schools.
Millions of dollars were pumped into both these projects.
Related stories
Questions are raised on the processes and their implementation, with some parliamentarians even calling for investigations for both projects.
Over the next few Saturdays, Shine a Light will highlight, in detail, the school rebuilding project, which were awarded to local engineers and construction companies.
Families were left to pick up the pieces after TC Winston passed. Photo: Fiji Sun
PROCESS AND SYSTEMS
Engineering experts we spoke to question the processes that were implemented, and whether they were followed.
Five engineering firms were awarded the lead consultants role, and about 20 contractors were awarded tenders to carry out the rebuilding project.
In all these contracts, there were multiple subcontractors.
A substantial amount of money was paid for each of these contracts, and evidence of alarming variaations.
Does the contract justify the work that was carried out?
Were the processes and awarding of tenders transparent?
Next week we will answer some of these boiling questions.
(Thank you and we would appreciate your feedback, if you share similar stories to this, please do not hesitate to email us.)
Feedback: ivamere.nataro@fijisun.com.fj
