By Georgina Maka’a

Head of the body tasked to oversee the Pacific Games preparation says he wasn’t aware that the company that was awarded the contract to supply toilet papers for the games was a barbershop.

Dr Jimmie Rodgers, chair of the National Hosting Authority (NHA), was responding to questions on the issue from journalists, Thursday.

Anger erupted amongst Solomon Islanders when it was revealed that Empire, a small barber shop operating from a residential home at Kukum in Honiara, was given a contract of $6.1 million (not $6.4 million as quoted in social media), to supply toilet papers for the two-week event, scheduled to start in Honiara on November 19.

The revelation sparked calls for the sacking of the NHA board and the boycotting of the games.

Acknowledging public reaction towards the issue, Rodgers admitted he approved the awarding of the contract.

However, he said he was unaware that Empire was just a barber shop operating from a residential home.

“As chair of NHA I look primarily at the product being offered and the price comparisons when evaluating companies,” he explained.

He said with this particular contract, he only knew what was presented to him, adding the approval process was clear.

In-depth Solomons understands a senior official working with the Games Organising Committee (GOC), the body spearheading the organising of the games, was behind the awarding of the contract to Empire.

“This is a clear case of corruption,” GOC insiders told In-depth Solomons.

“Looks like several people were involved with clear intentions to get their cut in the deal,” insiders added.

Owner of Empire, Julian Maetoloa, declined to be interviewed when In-depth Solomons approached him for comments.

“Let people say what they want to say. I’d prefer not to comment at this stage,” Maetoloa said.

Meanwhile, Rodgers said NHA’s Compliance team are now looking into this case and that no funds have been disbursed for the contract at this stage.

“The Compliance team are looking into this, they are reviewing and revising the budget.

“In fact, they’ve picked up on this issue before it went viral on social media platforms.

“I am sure after the review, budget for the toilet paper will be reduced by more than 50 per cent,” Rodgers said.