Kenilorea calls out Tovosia over breaking of law in SIWA board appointments
BY INDY MAEALASIA
Leader of parliamentary independents Peter Kenilorea Jr has called on Mines minister Braddley Tovosia to reverse his illegal appointment of more than two public officers into the SIWA Board.
In a statement yesterday, Kenliorea Jr said the actions by Tovosia are gravely concerning and that that “exceed the powers vested in him by law”.
“The appointments, dated 13 September, 2024, were gazetted on the 26th of the same month,” the statement said.
Tovosia removed the Solomon Water as a state-owned enterprise in late August, then appointed a new board of directors in mid-September which included:
Former MP Dr Culwick Togamana as Chairman, Mines PS Dr Christopher Vehe, Lands Commissioner Alan McNeil, MNPDC PS Dr Melchior Mataki, MOFT PS Mckinnie Dentana, Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau, and SICCI CEO Namoi Rawali Kaluae as members.
Only one board member is not a government officer – SICCI CEO.
On board membership, the Second Schedule (Section 6) of the SIWA Act states:
1. (1) The Board shall consist of the following members, namely –
(a) a Chairman appointed by the Minister;
(b) the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry charged with responsibility for the administration of urban water supply; and
(c) five members appointed by the Minister of whom two shall be public officers.
(2) The General Manager of the Authority shall be an ex-officio member of the Board.
Kenilorea Jr highlighted that unless there has been amendments to the relevant law which he is not aware of, Minister Tovosia appointed more than two public officers to the board of five, a clear contravention of the statutory limits established under the relevant laws governing the Solomon Islands Water Authority.
“The SIWA Act clearly states that of the five board members that can be appointed to the board of SIWA, only two should be public officers.
“As a minister of the Crown entrusted with the responsibility of serving our people, it is imperative that we conduct our duties within the boundaries set by law,” said Kenilorea.
“The Minister’s decision to appoint more than two public officers to the board is not only legally questionable, but it also sets a dangerous precedent for undermining the rule of law in this country.”
Kenilorea further called on Tovosia to act swiftly in correcting this breach of law and ensuring that such actions do not recur.
“Our country is built on the foundation that no one is above the law. This principle is not negotiable. I urge the Minister to respect the laws that govern his office and to ensure that he acts within the legal framework entrusted to him by the people of Solomon Islands,” Kenilorea added.
The Independent Group Leader emphasised that accountability is paramount in the dispensation of public duties.
“As leaders, we must be the first to uphold the law and maintain transparency in our actions. The people of Solomon Islands deserve no less,” he said.
Kenilorea Jr reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that all government officials, regardless of their rank, adhere strictly to the laws of the land. He noted that a failure to do so threatens the integrity of the country’s institutions and undermines public confidence in the government.
