BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has backed calls for investigations into the findings of the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) audit report released by the Office of the Auditor General.
Speaking to local media in a press conference upon his return from a weeklong official tour of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia yesterday, Prime Minister Manele expressed his shock at the revelations, describing it as “very unfortunate and regrettable.”
He stated that the ESP was intended to support the economy during the global COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledged that, to some extent, it succeeded in that goal.
“First of all, I would like to state publicly that ESP that was meant to keep the economy afloat during the global COVID – 19 Pandemic to a certain extent it did that it’s very unfortunate and regrettable that while the intention of the ESP was noble from what is reported its execution was poor.
“While I am yet to have the opportunity to read the report, I am indeed shocked on what I’m hearing revelations in the report.” PM Manele said.
The audit by the Office of the Auditor General has revealed significant fraud risks in the government’s $309 million Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) launched in 2020.
Following its release a week ago, the report has sparked public outrage on the handling of public funds.
The audit highlights troubling practices, including three government officials approving numerous payments, with one clearing 251 cheques totaling $6.8 million. Out of over 2,000 grant payments made, only 200 applications were available for review, raising concerns about accountability and transparency.
Auditor General David Dennis pointed out that the implementation of the ESP was hampered by inadequate laws, a lack of administrative resources, and poor documentation practices, leading to inefficient use of public funds.
In response, the Leader of the Opposition and other institutions, including the Solomon Islands Council of Trade Union (SICTU), are calling for investigations into the findings.
The report highlighted the urgent need for reforms to prevent future misuse of public resources.
