WAF faces $30m arrears, fraud
He said more serious cases were referred to law enforcement agencies.
Friday 16 May 2025 | 11:35
Updated 08 August 2025 | 15:43 FJT
The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) confirmed that multiple fraud and corruption cases have been prosecuted within the organisation. Photo: Fiji Water Authority
The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has confirmed that several cases of fraud and corruption within the organisation have been prosecuted, with some resulting in convictions in the Magistrate Court.
The revelations came during WAF’s submission to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts regarding the 2021-2022 Audit Report on Statutory Authorities, Independent Bodies and Commissions yesterday.
WAF acting chief executive officer Seru Soderberg told the committee that internal investigations had led to disciplinary actions ranging from counselling to termination of employment.
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He said more serious cases were referred to law enforcement agencies.
“There has been cases that WAF has recently won in the Fijian Magistrate Court, which was prosecuted by FICAC pertaining to corruption-related charges,” Mr Soderberg said.
He confirmed the cases involved staff members and external stakeholders.
In response, WAF has strengthened its fraud risk management processes and re-implemented its whistleblower policy in 2025, which Mr Soderberg described as part of the organisation’s “zero-tolerance stance on fraud.”
The authority has also introduced educational videos and self-learning initiatives to ensure employees understand anti-fraud policies. When questioned about the details of the fraud cases, Mr Soderberg agreed to provide comprehensive information to the Public Accounts Committee at a later date.
The committee’s questioning also revealed WAF is facing challenges with revenue collection, with arrears standing at approximately $30 million.
Some customers reportedly bypass disconnected meters by paying neighbours for water access.
Additionally, WAF owes $2.4million to the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) and is in discussions with the Ministry of Finance about potentially offsetting this debt.
WAF is working to improve its infrastructure, with government investing around $50 million annually in upgrades.
The authority is implementing a three-year programme to secure all its reservoirs across the country with peri-metre fencing.
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