BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Without reliable data and clear reporting, government plans are in the dark.
Member of Parliament (MP) for South New Georgia/Rendova- Tetepare Constituency, David Gina, said this when he delivered his speech during the Sine Die Motion in parliament on Monday 15, last week.
He told the house that citizens cannot depend on parliament debates without evidence on matters of concern.
Gina said accountability weakens when results are not measured and published.
“Data system remains fragmented and poorly integrated into budgeting and oversight. Important national work has been completed, including the mid-term review of the national development strategy for 2016-2035 and the 2024 voluntary national review of the SDGs.
“These are solid achievements and they prove the technical capacity exists. The problem is that these tools are not embedded in day-to-day decision-making. Monitoring results rarely drive budget choices or program adjustments,” he said.
Gina further said that the consequences are visible.
“Auditor-General reports continue to highlight poor record-keeping, incomplete documentation and delayed audits, including for the economic stimulus package, COVID-19 funds and now the Pacific Game 2023 funds. Data gaps also undermine physical control,” he said.
He said that the development budget in 2024 contracted by 44 percent, from about $1.17 billion planned to roughly $657 million, projected without any warning of timely correction.
He said that revenue agencies report meeting targets, yet cash flow problems persist, pointing to gaps in how revenue, exemptions, debt servicing and expenditure data are brought together.
“Accountability is not about reports after the fact. It is about making performance visible as it happens. Until monitoring systems are operationalised and enforced across government, Parliament will continue to debate promises rather than results,” he said.
Gina adds that a modern state must know itself before it can serve its people well.
He said that investment in data reporting and accountability is not a luxury but it is the foundation of discipline, trust and effective governance.
“This is the standard this House must insist on as we conclude this House,” he said.
“This has been a demanding year, but also a meaningful one. I hope and pray that 2026 will continue to work together with us with mutual respect and shared sense of duty in service to our country and our people through our legislative responsibilities,” Gina said.
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