Opposition demands transparency as delays in Pacific Games 2023 audit fuel concerns over corruption and misuse of funds.
Leader of the Opposition Matthew Wale has accused the National Hosting Authority (NHA) of delaying the release of audit documents for the 2023 Pacific Games. These documents include transactions for major procurements related to the event.
Wale believes the delay raises further concerns about corruption allegations. He emphasized that millions of taxpayer and donor funds were allocated, and the failure to provide timely audit documentation fuels suspicions.
“I have heard that the audit team has been obstructed and delayed deliberately. There were even allegations of destruction of documents, presumably to avoid auditors seeing them. These are very serious allegations indeed,” Wale said.
Opposition Calls for Action
Wale has urged the NHA to comply with the Office of the Auditor General’s (OAG) request and promptly release all required documents. He also called on the Prime Minister to intervene and ensure accountability.
“The citizens of this country must take great interest in this report and keep a close eye on how the estimated $2.5 billion allocated for the Games was used,” he added.
Audit Progress and Challenges
The Opposition’s concerns follow a press statement from the OAG. Last week, Auditor General David Dennis, alongside KPMG partners Steve Nutley and Anare Manulevu, updated the Prime Minister on the progress of audits related to the NHA. The financial statement audits cover the period from 2019 to 2024, with a special procurement audit examining NHA’s procurement practices.
According to the Auditor General, audits for 2019-2021 and the special procurement audit should be completed by the first quarter of 2025, provided the necessary documents are submitted on time. However, continued delays in obtaining records from the NHA remain a challenge.
“To date, proper documentation to support the validity of actions and transactions for certain major procurements has not yet been provided and remains a concern,” the Auditor General stated. Updates regarding audits for 2022-2024 will be provided at a later date.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
The OAG and KPMG acknowledged cooperation from the NHA and the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) but stressed the importance of full transparency. The OAG, a key accountability institution established under the Solomon Islands Constitution, audits public accounts, including those of ministries, special funds, courts, and government authorities. KPMG has been contracted to conduct financial statement audits for 2020-2024, along with the special procurement audit.
Source: Office of the Leader of Opposition and Office of the Auditor General
