Solomons Independent Group leader Peter Kenilorea Junior has joined the call for police and other integrity institutions to further investigate allegations of fraud and corruption highlighted in the recently released Audit Report on the COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package (ESP).
The last Sogavare government initiated the $309 stimulus fund in 2021 to cushion-off the negative impacts of COVID-19 on the economy.
But an audit by the Auditor General Office undertaking into the administration and disbursement of the stimulus funds found “major fraud risk, weak administration and poor transparency”.
And Auditor General David Dennis called for the urgent strengthening of the legal and regulatory regime for the administration of government grants.
Kenilorea said he and his staff had an audience with Dennis this week during which he was fully briefed on the findings of the audit.
“The opportunity to hear directly from the Auditor General and to have the findings of the report expanded upon was greatly appreciated,” Kenilorea said.
“The briefing provided important clarity on key issues highlighted in the report, which the office of the leader of the independent group believe is crucial to ensuring transparency and accountability in how public funds are managed,” he added.
“The briefing highlighted the need to ensure that government authorities must continue to abide by procedures and laws, even in challenging times.
“No one is above the law.”
Kenilorea said it’s important for the police and others to ake immediate steps to further investigate the findings detailed in the report.
“These findings raise significant concerns, and it is imperative that they be addressed through thorough and transparent investigations to ensure that the public trust is upheld.
“It is important that accountability is preserved,” the Independent Group leader said.
Earlier, Opposition leader Matthew Wale urged the police to initiate immediate criminal investigations into the ESP findings.
“Investigations must proceed with technical support for police in financial expertise for the investigations,” Wale said
He added the report findings are deeply troubling.
“The report provides sufficient evidence for police to proceed with criminal investigations,” the Opposition leader said.
Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) has also called for an investigation into the findings.
“Whilst the ESP undoubtedly helped ease the ‘fallout of the pandemic on some businesses’, the whole scheme was an opportunity for corrupt officials to exploit an already weak system as exposed by the ESP Audit Report,” TSI said in a statement.
“After all the hard work carried out by the Office of Auditor General, Audit reports are shelved and left to gather dust somewhere.
“Some members of Parliament even alleging shock and disbelief following the release of the audit reports.
Enough is enough, citizens deserve better, citizens need to see change.
“Citizens are tired of hearing about mere shock and disbelief from their representatives exercising the people’s power.”
Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said his office would be waiting for referrals on the ESP matter from the Office of the Auditor General.
of the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) audit report from the Office of Auditor General (OAG) before commence its investigation.
Mangau said police and the Office of Auditor General had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Office of the Auditor-General in Honiara on 19 May 2023.
He said the MoU sets out areas of cooperation including manners of referrals, follow ups, sharing of information and sharing of resources between the Auditor-General.
“The MoU provides a simple framework for both offices to collaborate in addressing areas that require further investigation,” Mangau said.
“It formalises a process for the OAG to refer to the RSIPF any matters found in audits and other work which may indicate corruption, crime or misconduct,” he added.
The police chief said the MoU also provides for the OAG to pass on any information it has regarding those matters that may assist the RSIPF in any investigation of interest to them.
“This process includes measures to ensure confidentiality and a process where a clear trail of the information being passed to the RSIPF is maintained.
“While I appreciate the call from leader of opposition Mathew Wale and our people for immediate investigation into the ESP audit report.
“Such referrals sometimes take time before reaching my office but we wait for the report to reach us then investigation commences.”
Meanwhile, Kenilorea expressed his office’s full support for the essential work carried out by the Office of the Auditor General.
He said despite the many challenges faced during this audit, they have delivered a report of critical importance to our nation’s governance and accountability.
“We congratulate the Auditor General and his team for their splendid work, which serves as a vital pillar in strengthening good governance in the Solomon Islands.
“We remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and integrity in the management of public resources,” Kenilorea said.
