by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has stated that the responsibility for investigating the findings of an audit regarding the government’s Covid-19 economic stimulus package lies with the police and anti-corruption agencies in the country.
The Auditor General’s report on the policy, which amounts to over US$36 million (SBD$309 million), reveals serious issues of potential fraud and non-adherence to government payment and procurement protocols.
In comments made to local reporters in Honiara this week, Manele expressed regret that the well-meaning goals of the policy have been compromised by its ineffective implementation.
He emphasized that it is the duty of the police, the director of public prosecutions, and anti-corruption bodies to look into the allegations.
Additionally, Manele expressed hopes that his country can draw lessons from Rwanda’s recovery after conflict. He announced on Wednesday that bilateral relations have been established between the two nations during the recent United Nations General Assembly in New York. He noted that their shared experiences with post-conflict recovery could foster mutual understanding and future collaboration.
