PM fund records questioned

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) does not keep the financial records or receipts for the Prime Minister’s Disaster Fund.

The issue emerged during a presentation of the OPM and the Fiji Immigration Department’s 2019–2023 annual reports to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence yesterday.

Standing Committee chairperson Lenora Qereqeretabua asked how prepared Fiji was for a severe cyclone season and the expected El Niño weather pattern.

She also sought answers on the accountability and financial tracking of millions of dollars donated to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Fund following Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016 and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, committee members were told the financial records are not held by the OPM.

“Although the account name is under the Prime Minister’s Office, the Prime Minister is just a trustee to this account,” OPM representative Moape Rokosuka said.

He said the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development manages the fund.

The ministry is responsible for receiving donations, making payments, distributing funds and maintaining the financial records.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Rinesh Sharma raised concerns about longstanding allegations of favouritism and corruption involving community projects valued at less than $50,000.

Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister, Lesi Korovavala, rejected the claims and said all projects were subject to standard financial procedures.

He said the office followed a strict verification process and conducted follow-up assessments three to six months after project completion.

According to Mr Korovavala, feedback from communities showed a 95 per cent satisfaction rate with completed projects.