BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development is not the only government ministry that hires office space in Honiara; several ministries and agencies do so due to a persistent shortage of government-owned office infrastructure.
MEHRD has stated that the ministry has been actively pursuing opportunities to construct its office building but has faced challenges in securing suitable land.
MEHRD made the statements in response to Member of Parliament for Temotu Nende, Stephen Kumi, over the significant amount of money spent on rent for the Education Ministry Headquarters in Honiara for nearly two decades instead of investing in a permanent building.
Speaking during a recent Parliamentary Expenditure Committee hearing, MP Kumi questioned why the ministry continues to rent office space when if the rental being paid for $300,000 per month since 2008 the total would have been around $56 million.
In response, the MERHD clarified that only a few ministries currently occupy purpose-built Government offices and Ministry lands, and despite multiple attempts, approval was not granted by the relevant authorities.
The MERHD said that efforts to acquire land were unsuccessful despite the Ministry identifying the land at the former Parliament Rest House site as a potential location, and efforts to acquire land occupied by the Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) office building near the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
The statement said that whilst suggestions to invest in permanent office infrastructure may appear straightforward, the reality is far more complex; however, MEHRD remains committed to achieving this long term through proper and transparent means.
The MERH adds that these difficulties are not unique to MEHRD, as many ministries encounter similar obstacles when attempting to acquire through clean and transparent processes in Honiara, as all government-owned land in the Capital Business District (CDB) in Honiara is limited.
The MERHD said that the decision to rent office space at the Tongs Building, Point Cruz, was made to ensure a central, safe, accessible, and functional working environment for MEHRD staff, students, teachers, and the public who rely on MEHRD services.
The statement further said that MEHRD’s rental payments to Tongs Ltd are a legitimate business transaction that secures a suitable office space while also benefiting the national economy.
According to MERHD, as a tax-paying entity, Tongs Ltd contributes to government revenue, which funds essential public services, including salaries for Members of Parliament, public servants, and teachers. Additionally, Tongs Ltd employs hundreds of Solomon Islanders.
It adds that the rental payments help sustain these jobs by enabling the company to pay wages, provide benefits, and support local economic activities.
The MERHD statement said that it is, therefore, misleading and unnecessary for the MP for Temotu Nende to question MEHRD’s rental arrangement with Tongs Ltd.
The issues statement adds that the media release is necessary to respond to unfounded accusations made against the MEHRD Executive Management by commentators through social media.
MERHD said that the Ministry remains committed to ensuring that its operational expenses align with financial regulations while contributing to the broader economic stability of the country.
It said that MEHRD remains open to constructive dialogue and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to address the need for a permanent office rather than making unsubstantiated criticisms and allegations that do not contribute to cost-effective solutions to support MEHRD’s critical work in shaping the nation’s education sector.
For feedback, contact:[email protected]
