10 Aug 2015

Solomons govt to address public concerns

4:33 pm on 10 August 2015

The Solomon Islands Government says it welcomes the outcomes of a public forum on governance in Honiara last week.

Manasseh Sogavare

Manasseh Sogavare Photo: RNZI

The event was organised by Forum Solomon Islands International and the outcomes focus on controversies involving the government since it came to power eight months ago.

These outcomes include concerns over governance, such as ministerial posts going to MPs with vested interests and criticism of high paying jobs for political cronies.

The Forum was angry at attempts by three government ministers to have their hotel bills covered by the tax payer, money paid to a boat operator for damages incurred during a private trip involving MPs and giving MPs aid money after Cyclone Racquel rather than to the National Disaster office.

They also queried the lack of progress on promised development projects, such as tuna canneries and oil palm plantations in Guadalcanal and Malaita; foreign management in the national airline; and the Prime Minister not occupying the official residence, and receiving rent for living in his own home.

Government has said it will address the concerns in a timely manner but it will not convene parliament to discuss the issues.

The National Parliament of Solomon Islands in Honiara.

The National Parliament of Solomon Islands in Honiara. Photo: RNZ Koroi Hawkins

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