An independent investigation has been initiated into allegations of abuse of office and the alleged misuse of Public Rental Board (PRB) resources involving a senior official.
Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa confirmed to The Fiji Times the ministry had received formal complaints against the officer.
Mr Nalumisa said the allegations had not been determined and would be examined through an independent investigation once a panel was formally constituted.
“These allegations have not been determined and are intended to be examined through the independent investigation once the panel has been formally constituted.
“The correspondence received includes allegations concerning the possible use of PRB assets, personnel and staff time for activities said to fall outside PRB’s core functions.
“Whether any such use occurred, whether it was authorised, and whether it involved any personal purpose are matters for the investigation. The ministry and PRB cannot treat those allegations as established facts.”
Mr Nalumisa said the allegations also related to financial and operational controls and the use of PRB assets and resources but stressed no finding of misuse has been made.
He said formal steps had commenced to establish an independent investigation and that terms of reference covering governance, human resources, financial and operational matters had already been prepared.
“Proposed panel members have been approached; however, the ministry is still awaiting their formal confirmation of acceptance.”
On whether the officer would be suspended, Mr Nalumisa said interim administrative arrangements were a matter for the PRB Board.
“Administrative leave, if applied, would be a neutral and precautionary measure and would not constitute disciplinary action or a finding of wrongdoing.”
Attempts to contact the senior officer yesterday through official channels proved futile.
