Peter Kenilorea Jnr., Solomons Leader of the Independent Group in Parliament, has called on the Minister of Mines and Energy, Bradley Tovosia, to immediately rectify his recent actions in the appointment of public officers to the Board of the Solomon Islands Water Authority (SIWA).
Tovosia recently removed SIWA from being a State-Owned Enterprise, and unilaterally appointed a new board to manage the authority’s affairs.
This was after the previous SIWA board terminated the contract of an Indian Company Rean PC Joint Venture, that was engaged to build the SBD$130 million Kongulai Water Treatment Plant.
SIWA board took the decision based on Rean’s non-performance.
Tovosia wrote to SIWA board and instructed them to reverse their decision. But the board stood by its decision. Rean has challenged the decision in the High Court, and the case is pending.
Among the new SIWA board members Tovosia appointed was the Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau – an appointment that would put Mangau in an awkward position, considering his police commissioner’s role.
Kenilorea has expressed grave concern over Tovosia’s actions, asserting that they exceed the powers vested in him by law.
The appointments of of the SIWA board, dated 13 September, 2024, were gazetted on the 26th of the same month.
Kenilorea Jr. highlighted that unless there has been amendments to the relevant law which he is not aware of, Tovosia appointed more than two public officers to the board of five, a clear contravention of the statutory limits established under the relevant laws governing the Solomon Islands Water Authority.
“The SIWA Act clearly states that of the five board members that can be appointed to the board of SIWA, only two should be public officers,” Kenilorea said.
“As a minister of the Crown entrusted with the responsibility of serving our people, it is imperative that we conduct our duties within the boundaries set by law,” he added.
“The Minister’s decision to appoint more than two public officers to the board is not only legally questionable, but it also sets a dangerous precedent for undermining the rule of law in this country.”
Kenilorea further called on Minister Tovosia to act swiftly in correcting this breach of law and ensuring that such actions do not recur.
“Our country is built on the foundation that no one is above the law. This principle is not negotiable.
“I urge the Minister to respect the laws that govern his office and to ensure that he acts within the legal framework entrusted to him by the people of Solomon Islands,” Kenilorea added.
The Independent Group Leader emphasized that accountability is paramount in the dispensation of public duties.
“As leaders, we must be the first to uphold the law and maintain transparency in our actions.
“The people of Solomon Islands deserve no less,” he concluded.
Kenilorea reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that all government officials, regardless of their rank, adhere strictly to the laws of the land.
He noted that a failure to do so threatens the integrity of the country’s institutions and undermines public confidence in the government.