20 Aug 2002

Another scam is reported in Fiji's Ministry of Agriculture

5:43 pm on 20 August 2002

Fiji's Public Service Commission says it's waiting for a report from the ministry of agriculture over new allegations of the misuse of public funds before action is taken.

The scam is reported to involve the land resettlement unit and money intended to help resettle farmers displaced by expiring leases.

Tom Lee, the PSC's acting deputy secretary, says the auditor-general has just presented an audit on the ministry to cabinet which is now being considered.

Mr Lee says the PSC cannot act to discipline anybody until all allegations are investigated.

"In fact public service commission is waiting for a report from the ministery of agriculture, which is investigating the allegations and reports that public funds, have been misused."

Mr Lee says the PSC appointed new management at the ministry following the earlier 13 million U.S. dollar farming assistance scam and he's confident they'll uncover what's been happening in the land resettlement unit.

The case over the farming assistance scam is still pending in the high court.