13 Nov 2003

More corruption alleged in Fiji Public Works Department

11:14 am on 13 November 2003

Another report has surfaced of massive corruption in Fiji's Public Works Department.

Fiji TV reports the latest scandal surrounds the award of tenders for the construction of weighbridges worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The case has been highlighted by the Public Employees Union, the body representing hourly paid employees of the Public Works Department.

Its general secretary, Mere Rakai, says records kept by the registrar of Companies show that the company winning the tender, Qalikar Enterprises, is owned by two senior officials of the department.

Ms Rakai says this is in direct breach of General Orders, the rules governing the conduct of public servants, and has called for immediate disciplinary action.

Five senior officials of the Public Works Department's water supply division have already been suspended and are under investigation for alleged abuse of office and corruption.