Public Assets Care in Makira Province

By Martin Sugui

I wish to register a few remarks on the care and management of public assets in Makira Province, particularly under various government divisions, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). 

My comments will focus specifically on transport equipment and machinery, including outboard motors (OBMs), engines, vehicles, and other machines.

Entrusted Assets

Each government division is entrusted with expensive equipment and machinery to support work performance and output. The current divisions in Makira Province include:  

1. Medical Division  
2. Education Division  
3. Police and Justice  
4. The Provincial Government  
5. SOEs  
6. NGOs  

These organizations are responsible for safeguarding valuable assets such as OBMs and vehicles. It is observed that most divisions, SOEs, and NGOs have effective regulations governing the use, storage, and maintenance of these assets, and such regulations are generally well enforced. 

Unfortunately, the Medical Division stands out as one of the most poorly organized and managed in this regard.

Medical Division Concerns

The Medical Division has a successive record of poor vehicle management policies. 

For example, a UNICEF-funded vehicle was written off following an accident caused by drink-driving. There have also been isolated incidents involving OBMs and engines, again linked to drink-driving, which endangered the lives of passengers. Such practices reflect a serious lack of accountability and control.

Comparisons with Other Divisions

By contrast, the Provincial Government has demonstrated stronger control and enforcement of regulations, resulting in better protection and safe keeping of its assets. The Education Division has been particularly outstanding in maintaining and safeguarding public assets entrusted to its care.  

SOEs such as Solomon Power and Our Telekom have also shown exemplary management, ensuring that their machines and vehicles are used strictly for work purposes. Similarly, the only NGO operating in Kirakira—World Vision—has been exceptional in its use and management of vehicles and equipment.  

A further example of proper asset management can be seen in the Police and Justice Division. 

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Correctional Services, and the Magistrate/Public Solicitors Office are very strict in their policies, ensuring that vehicles are used appropriately and solely for official operations. Other divisions should learn from their example.

Misuse of Assets

It is acknowledged that some divisions occasionally use public assets for social purposes, but this is generally done only when acceptable and necessary. The Medical Division, however, has been particularly notorious for mismanagement, often treating public assets as though they were personally owned by employees. A striking example is the misuse of ambulances—sometimes used to transport intoxicated individuals or to run family errands.  

It must be clearly understood that ambulances should never be used for purposes other than transporting patients and responding to medical emergencies. Any deviation from this undermines the integrity of public service and endangers lives.

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