• About Us
  • Contact Us
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Tavuli News
  • Home
  • News
    Wale slams $1.4m to the Western Province

    Wale slams $1.4m to the Western Province

    Hybrid Solar farm in Makira to be commissioned soon

    Hybrid Solar farm in Makira to be commissioned soon

    New Electoral Commissioner for Solomon Islands

    New Electoral Commissioner for Solomon Islands

    Assessment finds widespread damage to rootcrops on Tikopia and Anuta

    Assessment finds widespread damage to rootcrops on Tikopia and Anuta

    Solomon Islands visit successful says Kurt Campbell

    Solomon Islands visit successful says Kurt Campbell

    $7m down the plughole?

    $7m down the plughole?

    Chinese delegation in Honiara to assess aid projects

    Chinese delegation in Honiara to assess aid projects

    US Indo-Pacific Coordinator visits Solomon Islands

    US Indo-Pacific Coordinator visits Solomon Islands

    Government signs agreement with CCECC for land and maritime connectivity project

    Government signs agreement with CCECC for land and maritime connectivity project

  • Feature
    $7m down the plughole?

    $7m down the plughole?

    Lack of National identity, a snag to development: Businessman

    Lack of National identity, a snag to development: Businessman

    Securing land rights in Rennell and Bellona throughcustomary land recording and development of bylaws

    Securing land rights in Rennell and Bellona through
    customary land recording and development of bylaws

    Amazing Grace Launches Agritourism Experience

    Amazing Grace Launches Agritourism Experience

    Helena Goldie Hospital opens new Biomed Laboratory

    Helena Goldie Hospital opens new Biomed Laboratory

    Young woman elected to represent Rennell and Bellona tamatama*

    Young woman elected to represent Rennell and Bellona tamatama*

    Cancer, a not so silent killer in Solomon Islands

    Cancer, a not so silent killer in Solomon Islands

    Solomon Airlines supports pediatric surgical team

    Solomon Airlines supports pediatric surgical team

    BBC Media Action launches media partnership in Solomon Islands

    BBC Media Action launches media partnership in Solomon Islands

  • Business
    Amazing Grace Launches Agritourism Experience

    Amazing Grace Launches Agritourism Experience

    Smallholders creates jobs from economic partnerships

    Smallholders creates jobs from economic partnerships

    Solomon Airlines adjusts Port Vila flights

    Solomon Airlines adjusts Port Vila flights

    Not all doom and gloom – World traveler acclaim Solomon Islands beauty

    Not all doom and gloom – World traveler acclaim Solomon Islands beauty

    Iumi Tugeda Holiday packages back

    Iumi Tugeda Holiday packages back

    Chalk to clothes, Randy’s laundry business

    Chalk to clothes, Randy’s laundry business

    Solomon Islands trials Travel Authorisation

    Solomon Islands trials Travel Authorisation

    Local business making flour from rootcrops encourage farmers to follow suit

    Local business making flour from rootcrops encourage farmers to follow suit

    Sunday fair market an opportunity for small businesses

    Sunday fair market an opportunity for small businesses

  • Environment
    Assessment finds widespread damage to rootcrops on Tikopia and Anuta

    Assessment finds widespread damage to rootcrops on Tikopia and Anuta

    Not all doom and gloom – World traveler acclaim Solomon Islands beauty

    Not all doom and gloom – World traveler acclaim Solomon Islands beauty

    Earthquake rocks Honiara – damages highest building

    Earthquake rocks Honiara – damages highest building

    No tsunami threat for Solomon Islands

    No tsunami threat for Solomon Islands

    Data collection on bio-diversity in Hageulu, Isabel province

    Data collection on bio-diversity in Hageulu, Isabel province

    Japan supports marine conservation in Tiaro Bay

    Japan supports marine conservation in Tiaro Bay

    Water rationing ends for Honiara residents

    Water rationing ends for Honiara residents

    Agro-forestry way to go for Komuniboli: Community

    Agro-forestry way to go for Komuniboli: Community

  • Climate Change
    Hybrid Solar farm in Makira to be commissioned soon

    Hybrid Solar farm in Makira to be commissioned soon

    Solomon Islands COP27 statement at high-level summit

    Solomon Islands COP27 statement at high-level summit

    Solomon Islands activist calls on government for more support for youths

    Solomon Islands activist calls on government for more support for youths

  • Sports
    Outrigger and canoe fundraiser graced by Prime Minister

    Outrigger and canoe fundraiser graced by Prime Minister

    Safe and green games campaign launched

    Safe and green games campaign launched

    Rugby competition starts today

    Rugby competition starts today

  • Regional
    World Bank supports Vanuatu in Disaster Response

    World Bank supports Vanuatu in Disaster Response

    Climate Resilience for Business Sustainability Training for the Private Sector

    Climate Resilience for Business Sustainability Training for the Private Sector

    Fiji ready to host Pacific Leaders Special Retreat

    Fiji ready to host Pacific Leaders Special Retreat

  • Opinions
    U.S. Engagement in Solomon Islands

    U.S. Engagement in Solomon Islands

    From FFA overlooking the hospital

    MHMS work to re-establish partnerships with overseas hospitals for referrals

    WHY NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS MUST BE
    INVESTIGATED. Auditor General’s Shocking Findings

    Auditor General’s Shocking Findings – Widespread Abuse of Covid-19 Funding

    Auditor General’s Shocking Findings – Widespread Abuse of Covid-19 Funding

    Reclaiming a lost decade

    Reclaiming a lost decade

    Solomon Islands Government rebukes 4 Corners

    Solomon Islands Government rebukes 4 Corners

  • Women
    Amazing Grace Launches Agritourism Experience

    Amazing Grace Launches Agritourism Experience

    Recognising Solomon Airlines Women on International Women’s Day

    Recognising Solomon Airlines Women on International Women’s Day

    Prime Minister Sogavare acknowledge women’s contributions on big day

    Prime Minister Sogavare acknowledge women’s contributions on big day

    Young woman elected to represent Rennell and Bellona tamatama*

    Young woman elected to represent Rennell and Bellona tamatama*

    Data collection on bio-diversity in Hageulu, Isabel province

    Data collection on bio-diversity in Hageulu, Isabel province

    Mission supports mothers and girls in basic business training

    Mission supports mothers and girls in basic business training

    Solomon Islands women below average in boardrooms

    Malango women & girls celebrate International Rural Women’s Day

    Malango women & girls celebrate International Rural Women’s Day

No Result
View All Result
Tavuli News
  • Home
  • News
    Wale slams $1.4m to the Western Province

    Wale slams $1.4m to the Western Province

    Hybrid Solar farm in Makira to be commissioned soon

    Hybrid Solar farm in Makira to be commissioned soon

    New Electoral Commissioner for Solomon Islands

    New Electoral Commissioner for Solomon Islands

    Assessment finds widespread damage to rootcrops on Tikopia and Anuta

    Assessment finds widespread damage to rootcrops on Tikopia and Anuta

    Solomon Islands visit successful says Kurt Campbell

    Solomon Islands visit successful says Kurt Campbell

    $7m down the plughole?

    $7m down the plughole?

    Chinese delegation in Honiara to assess aid projects

    Chinese delegation in Honiara to assess aid projects

    US Indo-Pacific Coordinator visits Solomon Islands

    US Indo-Pacific Coordinator visits Solomon Islands

    Government signs agreement with CCECC for land and maritime connectivity project

    Government signs agreement with CCECC for land and maritime connectivity project

  • Feature
    $7m down the plughole?

    $7m down the plughole?

    Lack of National identity, a snag to development: Businessman

    Lack of National identity, a snag to development: Businessman

    Securing land rights in Rennell and Bellona throughcustomary land recording and development of bylaws

    Securing land rights in Rennell and Bellona through
    customary land recording and development of bylaws

    Amazing Grace Launches Agritourism Experience

    Amazing Grace Launches Agritourism Experience

    Helena Goldie Hospital opens new Biomed Laboratory

    Helena Goldie Hospital opens new Biomed Laboratory

    Young woman elected to represent Rennell and Bellona tamatama*

    Young woman elected to represent Rennell and Bellona tamatama*

    Cancer, a not so silent killer in Solomon Islands

    Cancer, a not so silent killer in Solomon Islands

    Solomon Airlines supports pediatric surgical team

    Solomon Airlines supports pediatric surgical team

    BBC Media Action launches media partnership in Solomon Islands

    BBC Media Action launches media partnership in Solomon Islands

  • Business
    Amazing Grace Launches Agritourism Experience

    Amazing Grace Launches Agritourism Experience

    Smallholders creates jobs from economic partnerships

    Smallholders creates jobs from economic partnerships

    Solomon Airlines adjusts Port Vila flights

    Solomon Airlines adjusts Port Vila flights

    Not all doom and gloom – World traveler acclaim Solomon Islands beauty

    Not all doom and gloom – World traveler acclaim Solomon Islands beauty

    Iumi Tugeda Holiday packages back

    Iumi Tugeda Holiday packages back

    Chalk to clothes, Randy’s laundry business

    Chalk to clothes, Randy’s laundry business

    Solomon Islands trials Travel Authorisation

    Solomon Islands trials Travel Authorisation

    Local business making flour from rootcrops encourage farmers to follow suit

    Local business making flour from rootcrops encourage farmers to follow suit

    Sunday fair market an opportunity for small businesses

    Sunday fair market an opportunity for small businesses

  • Environment
    Assessment finds widespread damage to rootcrops on Tikopia and Anuta

    Assessment finds widespread damage to rootcrops on Tikopia and Anuta

    Not all doom and gloom – World traveler acclaim Solomon Islands beauty

    Not all doom and gloom – World traveler acclaim Solomon Islands beauty

    Earthquake rocks Honiara – damages highest building

    Earthquake rocks Honiara – damages highest building

    No tsunami threat for Solomon Islands

    No tsunami threat for Solomon Islands

    Data collection on bio-diversity in Hageulu, Isabel province

    Data collection on bio-diversity in Hageulu, Isabel province

    Japan supports marine conservation in Tiaro Bay

    Japan supports marine conservation in Tiaro Bay

    Water rationing ends for Honiara residents

    Water rationing ends for Honiara residents

    Agro-forestry way to go for Komuniboli: Community

    Agro-forestry way to go for Komuniboli: Community

  • Climate Change
    Hybrid Solar farm in Makira to be commissioned soon

    Hybrid Solar farm in Makira to be commissioned soon

    Solomon Islands COP27 statement at high-level summit

    Solomon Islands COP27 statement at high-level summit

    Solomon Islands activist calls on government for more support for youths

    Solomon Islands activist calls on government for more support for youths

  • Sports
    Outrigger and canoe fundraiser graced by Prime Minister

    Outrigger and canoe fundraiser graced by Prime Minister

    Safe and green games campaign launched

    Safe and green games campaign launched

    Rugby competition starts today

    Rugby competition starts today

  • Regional
    World Bank supports Vanuatu in Disaster Response

    World Bank supports Vanuatu in Disaster Response

    Climate Resilience for Business Sustainability Training for the Private Sector

    Climate Resilience for Business Sustainability Training for the Private Sector

    Fiji ready to host Pacific Leaders Special Retreat

    Fiji ready to host Pacific Leaders Special Retreat

  • Opinions
    U.S. Engagement in Solomon Islands

    U.S. Engagement in Solomon Islands

    From FFA overlooking the hospital

    MHMS work to re-establish partnerships with overseas hospitals for referrals

    WHY NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS MUST BE
    INVESTIGATED. Auditor General’s Shocking Findings

    Auditor General’s Shocking Findings – Widespread Abuse of Covid-19 Funding

    Auditor General’s Shocking Findings – Widespread Abuse of Covid-19 Funding

    Reclaiming a lost decade

    Reclaiming a lost decade

    Solomon Islands Government rebukes 4 Corners

    Solomon Islands Government rebukes 4 Corners

  • Women
    Amazing Grace Launches Agritourism Experience

    Amazing Grace Launches Agritourism Experience

    Recognising Solomon Airlines Women on International Women’s Day

    Recognising Solomon Airlines Women on International Women’s Day

    Prime Minister Sogavare acknowledge women’s contributions on big day

    Prime Minister Sogavare acknowledge women’s contributions on big day

    Young woman elected to represent Rennell and Bellona tamatama*

    Young woman elected to represent Rennell and Bellona tamatama*

    Data collection on bio-diversity in Hageulu, Isabel province

    Data collection on bio-diversity in Hageulu, Isabel province

    Mission supports mothers and girls in basic business training

    Mission supports mothers and girls in basic business training

    Solomon Islands women below average in boardrooms

    Malango women & girls celebrate International Rural Women’s Day

    Malango women & girls celebrate International Rural Women’s Day

No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
Tavuli News
Home General

WHY NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS MUST BE
INVESTIGATED. Auditor General’s Shocking Findings

Georgina Kekea by Georgina Kekea
04/03/2023
in General, Opinions
0 0
0
0
SHARES
25
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

The findings of the Auditor General revealed that a total of $167,328,248 was identified to consolidate the National Disaster Operation Committee for the whole of Solomon Islands Government’s approach to Preparedness and Response Plan to Covid-19 pandemic. Given the revelation of how these funds have been abused and siphoned off by those close to power delivering services that are clearly not value for money charged for these, Transparency Solomon Islands calls for the publication of those individuals sitting in the National Disaster Operation Committee in the first place. For obviously they did not do their job to allow this to happen provided that they were not part of the problem. If they were into this scheme they must be removed from those positions of power, that they currently sit in.

Transparency Solomon Islands appreciates the Permanent Secretary of the responsible Ministry for NDMO meeting with and responding to media calls for interview. Regardless of whether or not the public accepts his response, it is good to see an officer in position of power taking responsibility for the actions of the institution under his portfolio. Nevertheless NDMO was assigned the whole of government preparedness and response to social and economic impact of the Covid-19 and allocated $47,935,024 of the funds. For this they were to coordinate the management of camps, quarantine facilities being appropriately equipped. So what happened with this money, when for example the quarantine facility for Choiseul Province in Taro remains uncompleted, but the public knows money was paid to failed quarantine facilities. Should they (NDMO) responsible NDMO staff get away with this. Certainly not! Before the Auditor General’s audit, it was commonly alleged that contracts were given to family members and friends and those closely associated with those working in positions of power in NDMO. All procurements’ were done with no regard at all to the laws of this country, the Public Finance Management Act 2013, their own act the National Disaster Council Act 1989, Emergency Regulations Powers, Financial Instruction in force and the Government Procurement Contract Manual. From the findings it is clear that those in position of power at NDMO failed to keep up with the experiences of countries that have Covid-19 in the control of the spread and transmission of the virus. That would have informed them that they had time to comply with existing financial regulations for procurement. With good border security these countries like Australia for example, kept Covid-19 out for a long time ensuring they got themselves prepared for when it did arrive and for when they will open their borders. Solomon Islands thanks to our strict border control has the same amount of time as these neighboring countries.

NDMO therefore has time to ensure it follows the law in the implementation of responsibilities given to them, but they chose otherwise and spend money to benefit themselves, their families and friends. What should concern the taxpayers of Solomon Islands is the fact that prior to Covid-19 NDMO was allocated $1.5million for disaster relief, an amount increased to $33,617,600 in the Supplementary Budget 2020 September spending. They spend 95% of this funds on other relief not related to Covid-19 whereby $4.5 million of the Covid-19 fund being spent on food relief for victims of Cyclone Harold. Whilst this is a worthy cause, without the paper trail, documentation etc. how many people, communities etc. were fed spending this funds and for how long. Do those who receive the food relief believe what food they receive is worth that much. In the past during relief food supply documentations were done. It is clear that the sole reason for not doing the paperwork and complying with the laws that underpin procurement is intentional and nothing more. It allowed officials and as alleged during the Covid-19 restrictions and now verified through the Auditor General’s audit to commit the following corrupt conduct and practice under the guise of the SOE Emergency Powers Regulation:

 Sidelining or non-compliance with Financial Instructions requirements for tendering and awarding contracts -breaking the laws of Solomon Islands.
 Awarding contracts to their families, friends and close associates and entities that do not have a business license -avoidance of tax payment.

 Conflict of interest – therefore service rendered over-inflated and not the best value for money.
 Spend public funds well before the issuance of warrant by Minister of Finance – power unto themselves, breaching the Supreme Law of the
country.MY WHAT SAYS ONE CONCERNED CITIZEN.
 Noncompliance with purchase requisitions, lack of delivery dockets and evaluation report

Millions on food probably for their canteens or to friend that pay them a commission fee (NDMO officers involved). It is unacceptable that an organisation such as NDMO failed to follow the procurement rules, omitting it from the Bid Waivers. It is really very poor on the part of NDMO too, to obtain goods in advance without any documentations at all. Transparency Solomon Islands sees no valid excuse at all for such a practice by NDMO and those providing service not providing the list of goods they provide in credit. This is an easy and simple exercise/process unless of course the deals made are fishy from the start and from entities that are not licensed and therefore have inflated their prices. To top it up with the abuse of the Covid-19 SOE response funding they bought two new vehicles at the value of $677,500. Yes it is an emergency period but it is not a good enough excuse no is it warranted for NDMO Director and his top level management group to abuse funds for their own agenda and interest.

Transparency Solomon Islands calls on the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC) to investigate officers who are in the decision-making position of NDMO and charge/suspend them. Obviously a number of the corrupt conducts revealed by the Auditor General’s audit report of the Covid-19 funding may be criminal and urge that the Commissioner of Police investigates further. These findings are just too important to be shelved somewhere and gather dust. How we the Solomon Islands as a country and our government deal with the revelations of the Auditor General’s audit report will have an impact on the level of assistance from our diplomatic friends, development partners etc. in any future disasters. Transparency Solomon Islands calls on the Executive Government to investigate the conduct of the National Disaster Operation Committee and National Disaster Management Officials and the Covid-19 Oversight Committee. It is their responsibility to monitor the Covid-19 SOE responses. An investigation will inform public that they are not in it with the rest of those handling the funds.

Bottom line is the Covid-19 SOE Emergency Powers Regulations vested almost but not all power in the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands and not the officers of the NDMO or those in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet or any other bodies. An investigation can also reveal the political aspects or dimension of these contracts for sure there must be a political dimension to these abuses.

Source: TSI

Georgina Kekea

Georgina Kekea

Related Posts

U.S. Engagement in Solomon Islands
Opinions

U.S. Engagement in Solomon Islands

20/03/2023
New international departure terminal for Honiara
General

New international departure terminal for Honiara

15/03/2023
Meddling claim refused by US in response to Solstar article
General

Meddling claim refused by US in response to Solstar article

13/03/2023
Next Post
Wagina community agree to site for new clinic

Wagina community agree to site for new clinic

Iumi Tugeda Holiday packages back

Iumi Tugeda Holiday packages back

Solomon Islands to seek support for delay in LDC graduation

Solomon Islands to seek support for delay in LDC graduation

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended

Rugby competition starts today

Rugby competition starts today

3 weeks ago
Assessment finds widespread damage to rootcrops on Tikopia and Anuta

Assessment finds widespread damage to rootcrops on Tikopia and Anuta

6 days ago
Lack of finances delay Mobility outreach to provinces

Lack of finances delay Mobility outreach to provinces

3 weeks ago
Local artist embraces digital art

Local artist embraces digital art

5 months ago

Categories

  • Business
  • Climate Change
  • Environment
  • Feature
  • General
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Regional
  • Sports
  • Women

Topics

china development disability finance government ldc masi media solomonislands tourism UN vulnerable
No Result
View All Result

Weather

Highlights

Assessment finds widespread damage to rootcrops on Tikopia and Anuta

Solomon Islands visit successful says Kurt Campbell

$7m down the plughole?

Lack of National identity, a snag to development: Businessman

Chinese delegation in Honiara to assess aid projects

US Indo-Pacific Coordinator visits Solomon Islands

Trending

Wale slams $1.4m to the Western Province
News

Wale slams $1.4m to the Western Province

by Georgina Kekea
27/03/2023
0

OPPOSITION Leader Matthew Wale has lashed out at the National Government following a $1.4Million cut to the...

Hybrid Solar farm in Makira to be commissioned soon

Hybrid Solar farm in Makira to be commissioned soon

24/03/2023
New Electoral Commissioner for Solomon Islands

New Electoral Commissioner for Solomon Islands

24/03/2023
Assessment finds widespread damage to rootcrops on Tikopia and Anuta

Assessment finds widespread damage to rootcrops on Tikopia and Anuta

22/03/2023
Solomon Islands visit successful says Kurt Campbell

Solomon Islands visit successful says Kurt Campbell

22/03/2023
Tavuli News

To lead the way to raise the standard of quality journalism in Solomon Islands at a time of digital transition by facilitating the dissemination of accurate information by and for all communities.

Learn More »

Recent Posts
  • Wale slams $1.4m to the Western Province 27/03/2023
  • Hybrid Solar farm in Makira to be commissioned soon 24/03/2023
  • New Electoral Commissioner for Solomon Islands 24/03/2023
Categories
  • Business
  • Climate Change
  • Environment
  • Feature
  • General
  • News
  • Opinions
  • Regional
  • Sports
  • Women
Contact Info
  •  
  • Location: Zion, Honiara
  • Phone:(+677) 7286000
  • Mobile:(+677) 7286000
  • Email:info@tavulinews.com.sb

For More »

© 2023 Tavuli News – News & People. All Rights Reserved. Proudly Developed By Umi Solomons.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Feature
  • Business
  • Environment
  • Climate Change
  • Sports
  • Regional
  • Opinions
  • Women

© 2023 Tavuli News - Proudly Developed By Umi Solomons.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist