Weak and outdated governance systems are significant contributors to the social crises affecting Fiji’s most vulnerable communities, according to the Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS). Executive Director Vani Catanasiga highlighted several pressing issues, including drug abuse, hardships faced by the elderly, and increasing deprivation—all of which are often treated as isolated challenges. The underlying cause, she argues, is poor governance that remains unaddressed.
Catanasiga emphasized that governance systems have not evolved to meet modern realities, such as climate change, technological advancements, and the influence of social media. This stagnation has allowed various social problems to escalate to crisis levels. FCOSS has conducted surveys and vulnerability assessments since 2020, which have consistently indicated shortcomings in public fund management—specifically in terms of planning, expenditure, and oversight.
The focus, she stated, should not solely be on the quantity of money allocated but rather on the effective direction and management of these funds. Independent reviews have repeatedly identified weaknesses in oversight and accountability. Additionally, many vulnerable communities remain unaware of government assistance initiatives, further exacerbating their challenges.
To address these issues, FCOSS introduced the “Kacivaka” tool, designed to evaluate the openness and accessibility of government agencies. This tool has revealed significant gaps in information dissemination and community engagement efforts. While some agencies have shown responsiveness, others have either ignored or contested the findings, indicating a lack of consistent commitment to accountability.
Catanasiga asserts that meaningful reform necessitates strong leadership, independent oversight, and governance systems that prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable populations in decision-making processes.
In a related note, the Chair of the Great Council of Chiefs, Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, acknowledged that the Coalition Government is still in its initial four-year term. He stated that while there is a collective desire for needs to be met, it is essential to consider the substantial responsibility carried by current leaders.
The situation calls for a collaborative effort to strengthen governance and increase accountability so that all Fiji’s communities can benefit from effective and transparent government support.