The Fiji Council of Social Services (FCOSS) has called on the Office of the Auditor General to conduct a performance audit of the Ministry of Forestry in 2025 over the ongoing Cogea Relocation Project.
This follows discrepancies between the ministry’s statement dated December 12, in which it attempted to clarify its role in the rehabilitation of Cogea Village, and FCOSS’s response regarding the project’s progress.
Initiated after Tropical Cyclone Yasa devastated Cogea Village four years ago, the project aims to provide cyclone-resilient housing. FCOSS, in partnership with Bread for the World, has completed two homes and is finalising contracts for the remaining 28, expected to be finished by June 2025.
However, FCOSS raised concerns about timber processing, operational delays, and coordination. The ministry stated that it had processed timber for 10 homes using portable sawmills and mahogany logs from Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited (FHCL) and trained local chainsaw operators in partnership with FCOSS.
FCOSS highlighted that the timber was unsuitable due to improper milling and exposure to the elements, with signs of rot found in February 2023. It also stated that it invested close to $200,000 on the project, including covering logistics for a two-week training.
The ministry also attributed delays to financial and logistical issues under FCOSS’s management, citing reports of late payments to contractors and workers.
FCOSS acknowledged these challenges but stated that the project’s tranche-financed funding process requires performance and financial reports before disbursements, which can delay progress.
“This rigorous process involves multiple levels of review, often taking 3–6 months due to communication challenges in rural Vanua Levu,” FCOSS said.
The absence of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two parties has also been a point of contention. Both FCOSS and the Ministry have acknowledged this has led to miscommunication and unclear roles.
FCOSS is now calling for a performance audit in 2025 to verify the ministry’s claims and assess the effectiveness of its operations in rural areas, including its REDD+ projects in Ra and Cakaudrove.
FCOSS underscored the need for better oversight, urging development partners to ensure projects include civil society participation to enhance effectiveness. The organisation says it remains focused on completing the relocation project and providing the community with homes resilient to future cyclones.
“Despite delays caused primarily by adverse weather conditions, logistical complexities, and coordination challenges, FCOSS remains fully committed to supporting the people of Cogea and completing all relocation works by June 2025.”
