BY JOSES SAREN
The Office of the Premier of Temotu Province says it has taken “careful note” of public concerns that some Provincial Executive Ministers are residing in their home wards rather than in or near Lata Township while holding ministerial portfolios, and has committed to reviewing practical and sustainable solutions to strengthen ministerial accountability.
In a statement issued by the Office of the Premier, Premier Stanley Tehiahua thanked residents for raising the issue, calling it “a genuine concern,” and said he appreciates the vigilance of citizens in holding elected leaders accountable.
The statement follows a public post that accused several Executive Members of returning to their villages to run canteens and attend to personal interests instead of remaining in Lata to carry out government duties.
The post also noted that executive members receive around SBD$18,000 every quarter as a housing rental allowance intended to keep them close to their offices, and said the ongoing shipping problem affecting Temotu passengers had brought the issue back into public discussion.
Premier Tehiahua said that upon taking office he had directed the Provincial Government to provide office space for Ministers, but that accommodation remained each Minister’s individual responsibility, funded through housing allowances and entitlements paid directly to their personal accounts.
He said one of his early priorities was to review and amend the Temotu Provincial Executive Governing Rules to make them more comprehensive and responsive.
The statement pointed to a limited supply of suitable rental housing in Lata Township, along with the safety and welfare of Ministers’ families, as practical challenges affecting where some Ministers reside.
Premier Tehiahua also flagged the current entitlement structure — under which housing allowances are paid equally to Executive Ministers and backbench Members despite Ministers carrying significantly greater day-to-day executive responsibilities — as a matter that “may require further policy review”.
The Premier thanks residents for their constructive engagement and reaffirms his office’s commitment to review the matter further.
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