Public Inquiry Committee to look into lot allocations at Housing Authority of Fiji

A three member Public Inquiry Committee has been appointed to look into the possible irregularities and fraudulent transactions, in relation to allocation of lots by the Housing Authority of Fiji in the past 10 years.

The Public Inquiry Committee includes the Chief Executive Officer of the Consumer Council of Fiji Seema Shandil, Tarlochan Singh who is a council member of the Fiji Institute of Accountants and Nazia Ali who is a legal officer with the Solicitor-General’s Office.

Shandil is the Chairperson of the Committee.

The Chairperson of the Housing Authority of Fiji Board Lorraine Seeto says the committee comprises of individuals who are independent, qualified and eminent professionals.

Seeto is encouraging members of the public to fully participate in the Public Inquiry and provide full disclosures of any alleged irregularities or noncompliance relating to Housing Authority lot recipients as well as any misconduct by Housing Authority staff in the execution of duties relating to lot allocation.

She is also requesting the public to provide views on the reforms required at the Housing Authority of Fiji to serve the public interest more effectively.

The Public Inquiry Committee will prepare a report that will be presented to the Housing Authority Board and the Minister for Housing and Community Development in two months’ time.

The Housing Authority of Fiji will then take further action on the findings and recommendations of the report as well as enhance its internal processes to ensure efficacy of its operations.

The Public Inquiry will be held in the Central, Western and Northern Divisions.

The Housing Authority of Fiji Board says email submissions can be sent to publicinquiry@govnet.gov.fj and these will be received by the committee members only.