The Ministry of Forestry and Research has defended a proposed 428 percent increase in office rental expenditure, as members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) raised questions over procurement processes, compliance requirements and the justification for a $1.5 million supplementary budget request.
The ministry appeared before the committee on Tuesday as part of ongoing scrutiny of the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill.
At the centre of the hearing was a request for an additional $1.5 million under a single recurrent budget line item for office rent, a significant increase from the ministry’s existing allocation of approximately $350,000.
PAC Chairman Dr Paul Bosawai described the increase as “not normal”, saying the size of the request warranted close examination by the committee.
Responding to questions, Forestry and Research Permanent Secretary Richardson Raomae said the ministry’s accommodation challenges have developed over many years and stem from a lack of adequate office space for its growing workforce.
Mr Raomae told the committee that Forestry became a standalone ministry more than two decades ago but continued sharing office facilities with the Ministry of Mines despite both organisations expanding their responsibilities and staff numbers.
He said overcrowding has become a major concern, with the current office building no longer able to adequately accommodate ministry staff.
According to the Permanent Secretary, successive attempts to secure government funding for a dedicated Forestry headquarters have failed to materialise despite proposals being submitted over the years.
He said similar requests for replacement provincial offices in Taro and Kirakira have also been unsuccessful, despite existing facilities being condemned.
The committee heard that Forestry had previously pursued plans to construct a new headquarters under funding support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). However, the project was halted after a stop notice was issued, leaving the ministry without a long-term office solution.
Mr Raomae said recent developments involving the Ministry of Mines had further highlighted the need for Forestry to secure alternative accommodation.
Committee members were told the ministry had entered into a rental agreement for a property at a cost of approximately $100,000 per month. The contract was signed in November last year and covers a period of around 14 months.
During questioning, PAC members sought clarification on the nature of the property, including whether it was originally a private residence that had been converted into office accommodation.
Ministry officials were unable to provide a definitive response.
Committee members noted that where residential properties are converted for commercial or government office use, approvals and compliance certificates may be required from relevant authorities, including the Honiara City Council and other government agencies.
PAC also questioned whether the ministry had complied with government procurement requirements before entering into the rental agreement, including whether competitive quotations had been obtained and whether adequate due diligence had been undertaken.
Dr Bosawai said the committee understood the ministry’s need for improved office accommodation but stressed that all legal, financial and administrative requirements must be satisfied before public funds are committed.
Leader of the Official Opposition Manasseh Sogavare acknowledged the difficult conditions faced by Forestry officers but said the committee’s responsibility was to ensure public funds were spent in accordance with established laws and procedures.
The committee has requested additional documentation from the ministry, including procurement records, compliance approvals and supporting information relating to the lease agreement, before completing its examination of the supplementary budget request.
Forestry’s appearance forms part of a wider series of hearings by PAC as ministries and government agencies seek approval for additional expenditure under the 2026 Supplementary Appropriation Bill.
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