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Key issues affecting Manaoba Airport project revealed

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Manaoba Airport

BY BEN BILUA

THE Office of the Auditor General has uncovered issues that affected the implementation of the Manaoba Airport Project after having gone through all available documents related to the project.

Key results on the investigation indicated that the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) administration and management’s procurement practices did not comply with the requirements of the relevant Acts, Regulations and procurement manual.

Issues of non-compliance indicated that MCA failed to formulate a procurement plan and annual budget bid for the Manaoba Airport project.

There was also lack of consultation on the project with relevant stakeholders and this led to in-appropriate procurement methods used to procure goods and services during project implementation.

Sourcing of procurement also failed to comply with the PCAM, and contracts were not advertised or tendered to the open market – as such tender bid documents were not evaluated by the Tender Evaluation Committee (TEC).

It was found that source documents were not made available for audit and that it was not possible to verify the appropriateness of the payments made to the suppliers and contractors.

Finding on procurement audited alleged that the amount of $62 million spent on the Manaoba Airport project was hard to verify by the auditors due to lots of limitations.

Limitations include; lack of Annual Procurement   Planning led to the in-efficient usage of funds by the ministry, lack of Procurement Plan for large and complex projects like Manaoba airport, there was no feasibility study carried out prior to construction of Manaoba airport, land ownership issue was not resolved prior to construction of airport.

The investigation further found that there was lack of separate annual budget for Manaoba Airport project and no detailed budget that itemise the type of expenditure or costs that would be allowed to be met by the ministry during the procurement process.

Adding, there was lack of procurement source documentations to support the appropriateness of the payments, lack of transparency and accountability on the payments raised, in-complete project activities and non-performing contracts, payments processed were not genuine and the inherent presence of conflict of interest was obvious and it was draining off huge amount of money to related parties, cronies and relatives that undermined established procurement procedures due to lack of separate annual budget for Manaoba Airport project.

Auditor General Office states that an amount of $26,394,506.80 have been spent on Manaoba airport project despite the limitation of resources encountered audit was able to identify.

The report says that the amount could be higher given the circumstances mentioned above.

In its recommendation, the auditor general’s office emphasised the need improve compliance with relevant regulations and Acts as well as deficiencies in compliance, internal control measures, procurement practices and other areas where improvements in management were needed.

The audit of Manaoba Airport project was conducted following a request from MCA’s Permanent Secretary (PS) to carry out a special audit due to allegations raised concerning the $62 million as amount spent for the project.

The Civil Aviation Act 2008 provides for the ministry to build and construct new airports and its maintenance for both international and provincial airports.

The Manaoba Airport Project was one of these newly constructed airports that went through the ministry’s procurement process.

The main objective for developing the airport was to assist the population in that area in providing transport for them and furthermore to boost the economy for the province through tourism and other business activities.

Immediate problem to be fixed is country’s cash flow: Hou

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY CAROL-ANNE SULEGA

HONOURABLE Rick Hou says the country’s immediate challenge that needs fixing as soon as a new Government comes into place is its cash flow problems.

Hou made the statement in an exclusive interview with Island Sun yesterday when queried on what his group will be immediately focused to fixed should it come into power.

Hou is the Heritage Park Hotel group’s candidate for the Prime Minister post.

The election of the Prime Minister is set to commence tomorrow in a secret ballot.

According to Hou, the challenge the nation is facing is the bleeding of the economy and should he be elected the next Prime Minister, his Government will be immediately focused to remedy the situation and improve revenue collection.

He then added that there is a big budget deficit and that he aims to bring that down should his group come into Government.

He then sadly admitted that donor support has also been as issue as they have been left on the side by the former Minister of Finance and Treasury.

Hou then added that he will make sure donor support remains fluid and donors are never sidelined.

“The Government’s budget is as good as nothing and what the next Government wants is nothing but to stabilize Government finances and cash flow,” Hou said.

3 arrested in Henderson fracas

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

THREE men from the Reef Islands were arrested by Henderson police over the weekend following clashes between people of the weathercoast of Guadalcanal and Reef Islands settlers.

The fight broke out at the Henderson market, and is reported to be related to land issues.

Guadalcanal Provincial Police Commander, Mr Nixson Manetoga said of the four arrests, three were for alleged rock throwing during the fracas while the fourth was for another case.

Manetoga said the trio are currently in police custody and still under police investigation for their unlawful actions.

The commander said fortunately people fled the scene when the commotion began, leading to nobody being injured with only minor damages to houses and properties.

Manetoga also reported that they also received no report of injuries from both parties involved in the fight.

He said police are doing their investigation and hopes to work together both parties to ease their disagreements.

Manetoga assured that the law is always there and everybody should be discouraged from taking the law into their own hands when faced with such situations.

15 but not three

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

BY ALFRED SASAKO

 

A few more details has emerged about Sunday’s reconciliation between caretaker Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and the MPs who deserted him and the DCC camp earlier this month.

The walkout resulted in a successful no confidence motion against Mr Sogavare on Monday November 6, 2017.

The Opposition group won the vote 27-23. The victory was however short-lived after the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP) staged a walkout over portfolio allocations the next day and joined the government side, boosting its number to 30.

Four days on, there was a new twist.

Initial reports said a reconciliation between all UDP Members and Sogavare took place at lunchtime on Sunday. It later emerged that it was not an all UDP affairs.

Instead, it was the 15 MPs who initially deserted Sogavare and the DCC camp that came to say sorry to a man who was once their leader.

Unconfirmed reports yesterday suggested that only three MPs were requested not to attend the reconciliation.

The reconciliation prompted the DAP to demand an explanation from Mr Sogavare on what it all meant for the DAP-DCC alliance.

“The caretaker Prime Minister simply told DAP members that the reconciliation was a personal thing between him and those who deserted him. As for the election of a new prime minister, the political process will be allowed to take its course,” caretaker prime minister reportedly told DAP members.

As for numbers, the two camps are not discussing it, except for claims and counterclaims of having the number to win next Wednesday’s claim.

Meanwhile outgoing Prime Minister Sogavare farewelled staff members of the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) at what was described was a fellowship dinner. He called on officials to render equal support to his successor.

The Sogavare family hosted the dinner at their family residence at Lungga. Loyal MPs including caretaker ministers attended the do.

Sogavare thanked the staff for their services during the last three years, saying he has enjoyed all the support provided to him as Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and as the leader of the Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG).

PAs to be culled in next Government: Hou

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY CAROL-ANNE SULEGA

POLITICAL Appointee (PA) numbers will see a massive scrapping should the Heritage Park Hotel camp come in as the next Government.

Hon Rick Hou made the statement in an exclusive interview with Island Sun yesterday when queried over what the group’s intention is to lessen the burden of tax payers on political appointees.

Hou is the group’s candidate for the Prime Minister post.

As a member of the former Official Opposition Group, Hon Rick Hou, Parliamentary wing leader of the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP) has always been very particular on the Democratic Coalition for Change Government’s (DCCG) appointment of too many PAs.

“This issue has been upfront in my mind,” Hou said.

He then confirmed that he has already given instructions to the transition office appointed to see to the transition phase of the DCCG should they take on as the next Government, to make sure PAs are taken onboard depending entirely on the qualifications and their need by the next Government.

“Who we need to deliver our priorities in the next 10 months is what we want and it is known that once a Government goes, there should also be a clean slate to political appointees as well,” Hou added.

Search for missing Beche-de-mer diver

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

SEARCH is on for a 30-year-old man from Wagina, Choiseul province, who reportedly went missing after having gone on a Beche-de-mer diving trip.

Taro Police say the person has been missing since Saturday at Tuzu village, in South Choiseul.

Police say they were made aware by family members of 30-year-old Ken.

Western Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu said, “This person did reside with Johnwycliff Vorevore of Tuzu village for the last three months.

“Mr Ken I believe, went diving on Friday 10th November 2017 and he was last seen in the morning between Tuzu and Katurasele village.

“His wooden canoe sighted floating near Katurasele village about 1200hrs that same day and found two beche-de-mer and his clothing inside,” said PPC Lenialu.

Lenialu describes Ken as of Gilbertese descent, well built, healthy and strong.

Meanwhile, Western Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu and Taro Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Mrs Cindar Nevol are appealing for anyone with information on Ken to contact Gizo or Taro Police station.

Call to prioritise forest protection and rehabilitation

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

Dear Editor,

RADIO New Zealand International (RNZI) this morning, Tuesday, 14 November 2017 broadcast a news item which said (quote)

“Fiji’s Minister for Economy and Climate Change says all countries need to prioritise forest protection and rehabilitation as well as financing of forest ecosystems.

“Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum was speaking at the COP23 Climate Conference in Bonn, Germany.

“Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said while progress had been made in protecting ecosystems to enhance resilience to climate change, real incentives were needed to attract more investment in delivering nature based solutions.

“Some countries and corporations are taking action to cut emissions from forest use and establish sustainable forestry management.

“Initiatives from Ecuador and Gabon, as well as corporates like Walmart and Mars Incorporated were welcomed by delegates at the Forests Global Climate Action day in Bonn

“Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said forestry ecosystems were high on the agenda for Small Island Developing States because they were among the nations most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

“A spokesman from the World Wildlife Fund said forests played a huge role in efforts to tackle climate change and protecting them would ensure they continued to absorb emissions from the atmosphere, protect biodiversity, and provide livelihoods.

“The conference heard destructive, often illegal, logging and deforestation continued, with last year, forests equal to the size of New Zealand disappearing from the planet.”

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Help from the Kolombangara Island Community instrumental in rescuing 20 dolphins held in captivity

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

DEAR Editor,

According to today’s Radio New Zealand International (RNZI) news (quote)

“Help from the Kolombangara Island community in Solomon Islands was instrumental in the rescue of 20 dolphins being held in captivity.

“Western Province police commander Mathias Lenialu said dolphin trapping was common in the area, but it is illegal and people catch the mammals secretly.

“Mr Lenialu said the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources had raised concerns with the community on Kolombangara.

“With the crime prevention strategy recently implemented by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, now we have created all the crime prevention committees out in the communities, so people now usually come forward to assist police with information.”

Thank you all in the Kolombangara Island Community.
Yours sincerely

 Frank Short

Focus on the UN Climate Change Conference, COP23

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

DEAR Editor,

According to the latest SIBC news report, from which I quote:

“Solomon Islands will be pushing for more global cooperation at this year’s UN Climate Change Conference, COP23, in Bonn, Germany.

“Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia Collin Beck is the chief negotiator for Solomon Islands in the global discussions at COP23, and he said the main priority for the country is to get major global carbon emitters to commit to the fight against climate change.

“He said there is a lot at stake for Solomon Islands because global action against climate change is currently slow.

“At COP23, leaders from around the world are discussing ways to speed up climate action to meet the goals of last year’s Paris Agreement.

“Mr. Beck said he hopes Fiji’s presidency of the conference will give more weight to the issues faced by Pacific Island states.

“Engaging with everyone is an important step in mitigating the effects of climate change, Mr. Beck said.

“Whatever we do, we cannot solve it ourselves,” he said. “It needs the cooperation of all our neighbors, all the world.”

Meanwhile, Radio New Zealand International has recently reported (quote)

“Pope Francis is drawing attention to the immediate climate change threat to the Pacific Islands, says (New Zealand climate change minister James Shaw)

Mr Shaw and Pacific Peoples Minister Aupito William Sio are representing New Zealand at climate talks in Germany, and on the way there had an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

The COP23 conference in Bonn is being convened under the presidency of Fiji, giving the international meeting a decidedly Pacific feel and focus.

Mr Shaw said delegates from Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia read statements at the Vatican meeting on different facets of the climate challenge. Pope Francis responded drawing on his encyclical of 2015, in which he described climate change as a global problem with grave implications.

“He is extremely concerned about the territorial threat from rising sea levels and about the state of the oceans,” Mr Shaw said.

“He is continuing to use the weight of his office and his influence to draw attention to the environment in general, but climate change specifically.

“The reason it’s such a big deal for the Pacific Islands is that he’s now drawing attention specifically to the immediate threat that the islands are facing.”

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Hou slams DCC

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
MP for Small Malaita Hon. Rick Hou is being nominated to run for PM onbehalf of the DCC Group

A day before election PM candidate bites back on partner, ‘DCCG was never stable’

BY CAROL-ANNE SULEGA

MEMBER of Parliament for Small Malaita Hon Rick Hou has dumped the Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) in the shadows, saying it has never been focused and has always been unstable.

Hou made the statement in an exclusive interview with Island Sun yesterday.

He bluntly declared that ever since the DCCG came into power, it has always been unstable and was never fixedly focused.

Hou is the Heritage Park Hotel’s candidate for the Prime Minister post for the PM’s election which will be held tomorrow in a secret ballot.

Hou told the paper that the intention of his party’s shift to the caretaker Government was clear from the very beginning.

“We were never offered money and our intentions and objectives as a group were very clear,” Hou said.

This was because there already existed unstable mechanisms from within the then Government itself which then eventuated in the resignation of the group of Members of Parliament (MPs) that joined the Opposition.

Hou however strongly commended the DCCG for having good policies and a very good budget.

“But then again, the budget is only as good as it is implemented,” Hou added.

Hou told Island Sun that it is only in the best interest for his party, the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP) and the nation as a whole to have a stable Government.

This, he added, was why his group always made sure they provided sharp watchdog roles as the then Official Opposition Group.

He then added that the caretaker Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare has always been focused and adamant to have policies implemented, but the country’s cash flow issue and pendulum forces within the DCCG were its only setback.

Hou then told the paper that should he be elected the next Prime Minister, they will carry about focuses from the predecessor Government and make sure the country’s cash flow is all well, work collaboratively for the best and interest of the nation.

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