Millions allegedly spent without proper approval

It has been revealed that before the Farming Assistance Scheme was approved by the cabinet in 2001, millions of dollars was already allegedly spent without the proper approval from the Ministry of Finance.

As the trial of Suncourt Hardware Director Dhansukh Lal Bhika and former Principal Accounts officer in the Agriculture Ministry Suliasi Sorovakatini continued in the Suva High Court, it was revealed that following the discovery, a special audit was conducted by the Auditor General’s office.

It was alleged that huge payments were also made to companies, even though there was no allocation for the Farming Assistance Scheme.

Umesh Chand Prasad who was the Audit Manager and Acting Director Audit in the Auditor General’s Office in 2002 told the High court that they discovered the funds were derived from elsewhere and in numerous instances, while purchasing items, the Controller of Government Supplies was not consulted.

It was also revealed that most of the items which were given out under the farming assistance scheme were allegedly bought from Suncourt Hardware.

Chand said in doing so, the Agriculture Ministry allegedly breached the accounting practice - by not calling for tenders and not getting quotations from three companies as required.

It was also revealed that the Controller of Government Supplies was not contacted by the Ministry to find out whether the items that were to be handed out were available in Government Supplies.

The court was informed that in some cases items like Forks, spades, shovels and cane knives were allegedly purchased at a much higher price even though the same item was available in the market at a much lower price.
 
One such example was the purchase of a knapsack sprayer from Suncourt Hardware Limited for $325 when the same brand was available at Vinod Patel at $149.  

Bhika and Sorovakatini are charged with 10 counts of official corruption where it is alleged that between 16th May to 30th August, 2001, Sorovakatini who was employed as a principal accounts officer with the Agriculture Ministry made a payment voucher of $225,092 to Suncourt Hardware and in return received cash and goods.

It is also alleged that from this money his air fare to Melbourne and Gold Coast was also paid.

The trial continues at 9am this morning.


Story by: Shalvin Deo