Lack of database system leads to misuse, abuse: Tabuya

There has been misuse and abuse of social welfare assistance because the Ministry did not have its database system.

The ministry has received reports of people who are allegedly receiving social welfare assistance to which they are not entitled to.

The most alarming report is that of families who still receive assistance after older persons in these respective families had died. Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Lynda Tabuya highlighted this and said the ministry was working on reports.

Ms Tabuya said the ministry was working on digitising its database system.

She said the information department of the ministry was undergoing a review due to this.

“This is just not only to do with the benefits of deceased persons, we are also reviewing how we will be printing vouchers for families,” she said.

“Right across the board we are having a review system so that we can become more efficient and effective.”

She said she had the Pacific Community would be assisting the ministry in digitising its database system.

“We have had some conversations with our donors and bilateral partners in regards to this. I am pleased to say that we had spoken to the Pacific Community (SPC),” she said.

“I know they have been long standing donor partners as well as providing technical assistance to member countries in the South Pacific, Fiji is one of them.”

When asked how many people were misusing the funds, she said the ministry received cases of social welfare assistance being abused or misused occasionally, not on a regular basis.

“As some people who are alleged, we find out later that they had forgotten to advise the ministry that their loved ones had passed away,” she said.

“It was actually the fault of the Department of Social Welfare which continued to deposit money into the accounts.

“The deceased person probate continues to receive this in their bank accounts, it was not the fault of the family members but more of us to update our records.” Ms Tabuya said if crimes were found to be committed then complaints would be referred to the Fiji Police Force.

“In the spirit of cooperation we would like to give a grace or an amnesty period for families who have just passed away,” she said. “There needs to be better communication between our ministry and the public about this particular issue.”

She said the ministry was still conducting an internal investigation to find out the number of people allegedly misusing social welfare assistance.

“The ministry is very vigilant and is conducting investigations on complaints received and Fijians caught cheating the system will be dealt with by the law,” she said.

“The general public can contact 3312199 if they know of someone who may be possibly abusing the social welfare scheme.”