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Ministry of environment describes OAG Report as ‘fair’

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology (MECCDM), Dr Melchior Mataki.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PERMANENT Secretary of Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology (MECCDM), Dr Melchior Mataki has described the ‘thematic compliance audit report’ as very fair.

The Office of the Auditor General conducted this audit in accordance with International Standards for Supreme Audit Institutions (ISSAI) namely the ISSAI 400: Compliance Audit Principles and ISSAI 4000: Compliance Audit Standard issued by the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI).

The objective of this audit was to assess whether the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) in MECCDM managed COVID-19 Procurement in accordance with relevant laws, policies and regulations of Solomon Islands Government.

These include the Public Financial Management Act 2013, The National Disaster Council Act 1989, Emergency Powers Acts for COVID-19, the Interim Financial Instructions currently in force and the Solomon Islands Government Procurement and Contract Manual (PCAM).

In the report, it was found that bloated prices of goods and services popped up which ate away the covid-19 funds.

For example, $400 for one pillow and $130 for one blanket, provided to the national referral hospital (NRH), seen in an invoice of $99,500 dated May 25, 2020.

Documents were missing, which would have provided information to prove that public funds were well spent.

Mataki said it’s a fair report that point areas and certain gaps they have need to address.

However, he said a lot of procurement and management in place, they are conducive for normal type of situation they have.

“When comes to emergency, sometimes bit difficult.

“I do not want to say that those areas we don’t follow process, I think the situation cause this. If you are to have a flight, ensure to get quarantine station up and running for people go inside,” he said.

Mataki said if suppliers have not been paid, what do you do in that kind of situation?

“We have come to breach.

“We have to deal with suppliers willing to provide goods and suppliers upfront on credit,” he added.

Furthermore, the audit report found NDMO has purchased two brand new expensive vehicles using the covid-19 fund were not relevant to the purpose of the fund.

“One significant procurement appeared to be unrelated to the pandemic. The NDMO chose to supplement its vehicle fleet with the addition of two new Toyota vehicles at a cost of $677,500.”

However, Mataki said there is a need to run emergency and need for logistic capability.

He said the audit report speaks for itself but they try their best to comply with Public Finance and Management Act and Financial Instructions.

Mataki said timeliness is also an issue in emergency.

“But we are definitely committed to address the gaps and review the process and ensure to repeat that,” he said.

Apart from this, Deputy Commissioner National Security and Operation Support Ian Vaevaso said police is willing to assess the audit report.

He said police can do follow up on the report if there are criminal elements in it.

Therefore, Vaevaso said if the Auditor General sees it fit to come to them, then they are willing to investigate and take it up for further.

PLASTIC BAN

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) Dr Melchior Mataki

Bottles, shopping bags, takeaway packs & cups, straws to be removed for Pacific Games

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTRY of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology (MECCDM) plan to implement the single use plastic ban before the Pacific Games in November.

However, the implementation will be done in a phase out period for 12 months to 24 months.

Permanent Secretary, Dr Melchior Mataki confirmed this in a press conference last Friday, after the plastic are very detrimental to biophysical environment.

He said the ban will not every plastics goods but focus on plastic bottles of the size 600ML and below.

For example, Shopping plastic bags, Plastic and Styrofoam container takeaways, Styrofoam and plastic cups for drinks, Straws and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles.

Mataki said this is in line with part of solid waste management for their post strategy, which they are trying to implement.

“Most of these plastics, they already have alternatives available locally, and they present greatest threat to bio fiscal environment,” he added.

In addition, as Solomon Islands is a member of global community, which is an international obligation to regress and stop plastic pollution.

Mataki said in global level, it is still in the process for the establishment of legally binding plastic instrument.

He said that is currently in discussion, but the process just started last year.

Furthermore, Mataki for the actual banning, they have to be mindful of private sectors and current stocks, for example where inside the country or stocks in the pipeline.

“It could be a phase approach.

“But besides, even before go down the line, we will in process to discuss with relevant line ministries and members of private sectors,” he said.

“We will also be seeking government clearance on this although though Environmental Act provide Minister to make regulation,” he added.

Suspect into Koa-hill stabbing still at large

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE are still looking for the wanted suspect into the stabbing incident on January 20, 2023 inside a public bus along the Mbokonavera area.

Police confirmed that the matter was reported to them and investigation is still ongoing.

Police Media Unit said police are calling on the suspect to surrender himself or the family of the suspect to assist in bringing the suspect to the police.

“Harbouring of criminals is an offence under our law,” Police said.

According to earlier reports the victim boarded the bus from Honiara City Council Skyline bus stop to go back to his house after purchasing cabbage from the Honiara Central Market.

The suspect (beliga) sat next to the boy. The suspect then asked the victim for his phone but he refused.

The suspect then got angry and took out a scissors and stabbed the victim multiple times.

The victim’s father said his son suffered 10 injuries in total, on his back and his hands.

The witness said the beliga then instructed the bus drive to tell the victim to hand over his phone.

“The bus driver followed what the beliga requested and asked the victim to hand over his phone.

“The beliga took the phone and left,” the father said.

Strongim Binis continues to support private sectors

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Strongim Bisnis Business Advisor Zefi Keritina delivering her speech at the opening of the country’s first ever child day care centre in Noro. Photo credit - Ben Bilua.

BY BEN BILUA

AUSTRALIAN funded Strongim Bisnis Programme continues to support private sectors with innovate projects to improve productivity and generate more profit.

This week Strongim Binis witnessed the launching of four projects in Western Province.

In her speech during the launching of the Pallet Plant at Kolombangara Forestry Plantation Limited (KFPL) Strongim Binis Business Advisor, Zefi Keritina said Strongim Bisnis is committed to supporting sustainable development and promoting economic growth in Solomon Islands.

“Our goal is to expand access to market for small-holders plantation timber, and we believe that establishing partnerships with key players in the industry is key to achieving the overall goals.

“That is why we are proud to have partnered with KFPL which is the leading plantation product market actor to support the market of smallholder logs,” she said.

Keritina said Strongim Bisnis is also thrilled to contribute towards the Out-grower schemes in an effort to improve the management of plantation trees.

She said the development of extension program tailored to specific needs of small-holder plantation timber suppliers.

Keritina said the partnership unable programs to train farmers on pruning, thinning and harvesting to ensure small-holder plantation timber is of the highest quality and is competitive in the international market.

Hilton congratulates Soltuna

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Australian high commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency Rod Hilton delivers his speech at the opening of the country’s first ever child care centre. Photo credit - Ben Bilua

BY BEN BILUA

AUSTRALIAN high commissioner to Solomon Islands has congratulated Soltuna for the successful implementation of the Pikinini Kea Hau project.

Rod Hilton said the launching of the facility yesterday was a testament of achievement and at the same time reflects the ambition of Australian government’s project in Solomon Islands – that is to create more job opportunity and to see steady economic growth.

“Impressed with Soltuna and its operation more especially the job opportunities the company established to Solomon Islanders.

“Soltuna products are famous around the world selling into Europe and the pacific

“I can understand why it is a number tuna because Soltuna renowned for quality and safety and care of the workforce,” he said.

Hilton acknowledges Noro community and Soltuna for the determination in making sure there are balance in work place and home.

He said Australia is a supporter of job creation in every aspect of its operation in Solomon Islands.

Hilton stressed that Australian supports are more focus is on private sector and job creation adding Australia believes in quality work

He said jobs that Australian government wants to establish are to enable Solomon Islanders to provide for their families, to ensure children attend school and strengthen communities at all levels.

“That is why what we are celebrating today (yesterday) is so exciting.

“This pikinini haus helps the workers of Soltuna to earn and support their families, in a highly skill work place where every individuals is valued for knowing their children are safe and receiving quality care.

“It shows other employees right across the country that they can lift their employees up by providing this kind of service.

“It will free-up women who work for Soltuna community from having to do all the work at home but to concentrate on their job and save money.

“No one has to loss a day’s work to stay home because no one is there to take care of household responsibilities,” Hiltom said.

He said the facility will directly achieve its goal with a greater impact on Soltuna’s productivity.

Hilton said Australian and Western Province will remain a number one partnership into the future.

“I have a long and productive conversation with the premier. I was able to listen and discussed with Premier Billy Veo and what his government’s priorities will be and I’ve been able to peak through how Australian Government will offer our support.

“Job and economic growth were the core discussion and Australian will continue to work with Western Province to achieve its ambitions,” he said.

NDMO OWES $9M

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) Dr Melchior Mataki

Service providers waiting to get paid since covid-19 period

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Solomon Islands Government (SIG) through the National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) owes service providers during the covid-19 period $9 million.

This was confirmed yesterday to this paper by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) Dr Melchior Mataki.

“The government through NDMO is yet to pay about $9 million to service providers during the covid-19 period .

“This money belongs to service providers.  

“They are (service providers) needed to be paid,” Mataki said.

He said his team have submitted everything to the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) internal audit group go through it.

“They should be finalising it now.

“But from our side we really want the government to pay off this amount of money so that it can be cleared off because people need their money as well,” Mataki said.

He said the “amount of money is not just for catering alone, but for bulk of suppliers like plumping services for quarantine stations including isolation areas in some of the provinces to name a few”.

Mataki said, “this total of money to be paid is for NDMO alone.

“Only some have been paid.”

Search called off, missing children not found

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Search for two children missing at sea in Makira-Ulawa province has been called off.

No sighting has been reported.

Provincial Police Commander in Makira confirmed to this paper that bodies of the two children, who were reported missing at sea on January 16, have not been found and the search has been called off.

Last month an outboard motor (OBM) canoe powered with 40 HP engine carried 14 passengers including children overturned outside a logging camp due to bad weather.

An adult woman and two children aged three and seven were unable to reach the shore, while 11 passengers managed to swim ashore.

PPC Peter Sitai said during the search the body of the adult was recovered; unfortunately the children’s bodies were not recovered and are still missing.

He said the search went on for a week before being cancelled.

Police in their earlier statement said the OBM left Kirakira between 4pm and 5pm and were travelling to a logging camp, however upon their arrival at Na’ana Elite logging camp due to bad weather they were not able to go through the passage.

The OBM’s skipper then diverted the canoe to near-by logging camp in which they managed to go ashore, however while they were still unloading a huge wave washed ashore and took the canoe further out to the deep with the passengers still onboard, and unfortunately capsized.

Concerns raised on police officers posted in Ulawa

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Concerns have been raised against police officers posted at the Police Post in Ulawa.

A concerned Ulawa man who wanted his name withheld said police officers in Ulawa are not doing their job instead they are engaging in unlawful activities.

The man said the officers involve themselves with youths drinking home-brew and even taking marijuana.

“Police officers are supposed to do the right thing,” he says.

He said officers should be the people upholding law and order in the communities and be a role model for communities.

The man calls on the Police Commissioner to investigate the behaviour of the officers and take action against them.

However, when contacted the Provincial Police Commander Peter Sitai, he denied receiving any complaints from the communities about the allegation.

He said the allegations are serious and called on the leaders, chiefs and elders in Ulawa Island to report to his office any concerns about the officers, so that proper action can be taken to address the issue.

Many procurement activities of MHMS took place before necessary authorisation and approval: OAG report

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Released audited reports from the Office of the Auditor General ( OAG).

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

IT was uncovered that many procurement activities took place at the Ministry of Health (MHMS) before the necessary authorisations and approvals were signed, this shows lack of accountability.

This was found in the audit report on procurement relating to COVID-19 Disaster relief fund by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) released by Office of the Auditor General.

The report says in the sample tested, OAG identified transactions that did not comply with financial requirements in the tendering and awarding for contracts including not implementing the required competitive quotation/tendering process without an appropriate waiver, awarding contracts to businesses which did not have a valid or current business registration and failing to maintain adequate supporting documentation for transactions.

“Many procurement activities took place before the necessary authorisations and approvals were signed, which meant internal controls were not complied with, which creates a lack of accountability.

“The identification of these deficiencies in a relatively small sample indicates that internal controls cannot be relied upon to ensure that procurement will achieve best value for money or eliminate the possibility of conflict of interest and misuse or misappropriation of public funds,” OAG report says.

The report adds that Office of the Auditor General also found that the Ministry was unable to provide records associated with procurement transactions, particularly in relation to the decision-making process around what to procure, how to procure and who to procure it from, but also basic transactional documentation such as purchase requisitions, delivery dockets and evaluations reports. Compliance checklists which are used to ensure that all controls have been implemented, were also not available for all transactions.

The report further adds excessive use of imprest accounts by the Ministry was convenient for rapid purchasing but meant that key internal controls to ensure value for money and integrity were not fully effective.

$275k payment paid to security service at GBR, no documentation and engagement evidence: OAG report

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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GBR quarantine site during the height of the pandemic. Photo supplied.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Office of the Auditor General has uncovered no documentation and engagement evidence of a $275,000 payment paid to a security service engaged at Guadalcanal Beach Resort (GBR) in 2020.

That is according to the audit report on procurement relating to COVID-19 Disaster relief fund by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) released this week by the Office of the Auditor General.

“Company A was engaged to provide security services at the Guadalcanal Beach Resort (GBR) from March 24, 2020. The first month’s payment was made via imprest account and the second month’s payment was included in Office of the Auditor General’s test sample.

“The payment for 24 April to 24 May was for $90,000. A letter in the transaction documentation indicated that the Camp Management committee had entered into a contract with Company B from 24 May 2020. 

“There is no documentation to indicate that any form of competitive process was used to engage company B or that any contract existed before 24 May 2020.There is a bid waiver request dated 15 June and approved by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services on 16 June, but not by the Accountant General as required by Finance Memo 479/5/1 of 26 February 2016,” OAG report stated.

The report stressed, regarding company B there is no evidence of a competitive process for this engagement nor does any sort of due diligence appear to have been carried out.

“This contract transitioned into a longer-term engagement and Ministry of Health and Medical Services paid another $185,000 for the next two months of services through the Ministry of Finance and Treasury payments systems without further competitive tendering,” the OAG report says.

The Controller of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) when receiving an invoice from Company B for the services provided up to 24 May, 2020, he had to query Camp Management if they had actually provided these services. A Purchase Requisition was eventually signed for the April-May services on 29 June 2020 and the account was paid from the Imprest Account on the same day, the report stated.

“There is no documentation on the original decision to engage Company B. There were no approvals of any kind in advance of the engagement. There is no evidence of any due diligence regarding Company B. There is no documentation of the services they provided – no time sheets, no guards names; no sign off sheets by camp supervisors.

By the time the Permanent Secretary of the MHMS approved the Bid Waiver (procurement in state of emergency), the deal had been done, the services had apparently been provided and the account had to be paid,” OAG report said.

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