Shandil Chairs Inquiry Committee

The Chairperson of the Housing Authority of Fiji (HA) Board, Lorraine Seeto is pleased to announce the members of the Public Inquiry Committee, who will look into the possible irregularities and fraudulent transactions, in relation to allocation of lots by HA in the past 10 years (2010 to date).

The Public Inquiry Committee comprises of:

Seema Shandil – chief executive officer, Consumer Council of Fiji; Tarlochan Singh – Council Member, Fiji Institute of Accountants;

Nazia Ali – Legal Officer, SolicitorGeneral’s Office.

Ms Seema Shandil will be the chairperson of the committee. Ms Seeto said the committee comprises individuals who were independent, qualified and eminent professionals.

“I’m grateful and appreciative of the services and commitment shown by Ms Shandil, Mr Singh and Ms Ali, who have accepted the opportunity to come on board and enhance governance and transparency at HA,” she said.

“I therefore encourage members of the public to fully participate in the Public Inquiry and provide full disclosures of any alleged irregularities or noncompliance relating to HA lot recipients as well as any misconduct by HA staff in the execution of duties relating to lot allocation.

“I also request the public to provide views on the reforms required at HA to serve the public interest more effectively.”

She added that the committee will prepare a report that will be presented to the HA Board and the Minister for Housing and Community Development in two months’ time.

The HA on the other hand, will 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. A schedule is being formulated for the inquiry.

Email submissions can be sent to publicinquiry@govnet.gov.fj and these will be received by the committee members only.