The long-delayed relocation of Cogea villagers in Bua, Vanua Levu, has come under renewed scrutiny in Parliament, with MPs questioning how a $2.7 million project was entrusted to an organisation without experience in managing village relocation projects.
The Standing Committee on Public Accounts said the project, funded in 2020 through the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS), was originally intended to deliver 30 houses.
But by the time of the committee’s visit, only two houses had been completed, with the project now expected to deliver about 16 homes amid funding constraints and escalating construction costs.
MPs also raised concerns over the decision to pay the contractor 70 per cent upfront, saying the large advance had restricted cash flow for the remaining works and contributed to difficulties in completing the project.
The issue prompted blunt questions in Parliament about why an entity with no apparent expertise in village relocation was given responsibility for such a critical climate adaptation project.
Member of Parliament, Sachida Nand said the project had been “handled by an entity that did not have the expertise in relocation projects”, warning that when projects are not delivered, “the country as a whole is undermined” and Fiji’s credibility with donors could suffer.
Former Public Accounts Committee member, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, said the Cogea experience demonstrated the need for stronger government oversight before adaptation projects proceed, regardless of where their funding originates.
Opposition MP Premila Kumar was equally critical, saying the situation demonstrated the consequences of assigning a major relocation project to an organisation without the necessary experience.
The committee called for Government to intervene and resolve the situation, including establishing greater clarity over how much of the $2.7 million has been spent and what remains available.
The committee has urged a coordinated Government response, with stronger oversight of future relocation projects to ensure funding, technical expertise and implementation arrangements are in place before work begins.
Parliament subsequently voted to note the Committee’s report.
