It was a systematic scam: Minister
Tuesday August 21, 2007

More than a $100,000 in cash grants were given to people who were not affected by the recent floods in the Northern Division, a special investigation report has revealed.

The Special Investigation Report on the allegation of mismanagement of cash grants to flood victims in the North is with Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.



According to the report, a total of 366 people were paid a total of $115,000 even though their names were not in the Cabinet approved list of people affected by floods who required assistance.



The report has also revealed that more than 1100 people whose names were on Cabinet approved list and needed the assistance badly, missed out due to the scam.

"There has been a systematic scam and abuse of funds by the officials and some businessmen and those responsible should be taken to task," said Chaudhry.



He said the abuse of funds has denied many flood victims of much needed assistance and has prolonged their suffering.



Other findings revealed in the report include forged signatures, double payments, cheques released to third parties without authority from payees and cheques confirmed by payees were not received by them.

One of the major recommendations of the report was that it be referred to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and the Police for further investigation and laying of charges.



Chaudhry had ordered the investigation after receiving numerous complaints from the people and businessmen in the division.