Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) is calling on the Government and relevant authorities to publicly account for what it says are serious financial management and procurement failures identified in the Auditor General’s special audit of spending for the 2023 Pacific Games.
TSI Executive Officer Ruth Liloqula said the Pacific Games were a source of national pride and left Solomon Islands with major sporting infrastructure, but that pride could not come at the expense of accountability for public money.
“This is not about undermining the achievements of our athletes, volunteers or communities,” Liloqula said.
“It is about protecting taxpayers’ money, strengthening public institutions and preserving the trust of Solomon Islanders,” she added.
Her comments follow the Auditor General’s special audit, which identified significant weaknesses in the management of Pacific Games funds, including concerns over lawful expenditure authority, procurement breaches, inadequate record-keeping, limited competition and failures in due diligence.
The High Court has since ruled that expenditure through the Sports Solomon Fund breached sections 25, 57 and 60 of the Public Financial Management Act 2013.
The Court also found that the National Hosting Authority’s (NHA) blanket waiver of competitive tendering was unlawful.
Liloqula said the findings raised serious questions that could not simply be dismissed as administrative shortcomings.
“They raise serious questions about how public money was authorised, procured and spent,” she said.
TSI is particularly concerned about the reported SBD$84.29 million spent on the SIFF Football Academy and SBD$34 million on the Sports Legacy House, totalling SBD118.29 million.
According to the audit, the expenditures were made without an approved budget.
Liloqula said the public had a right to know how the spending was authorised and whether taxpayers received value for money.
She called on the NHA to publicly release the valuation report for the Sports Legacy House, identify the valuer or valuers involved and explain how the SBD$34 million purchase price was determined.
“Where was the lawful authority for the expenditure? Who authorised the purchase? Were all required approvals obtained before the money was spent?” Liloqula asked.
She also questioned whether an independent valuation was conducted, who carried it out, what methodology was used and how the purchase price compared with the market value of comparable properties in the area.
“Did taxpayers receive fair value for the SBD34 million spent?” she asked.
Liloqula said transparency required more than attempts to regularise expenditure after public funds had already been spent.
“Authorities must explain what legal mechanisms were relied upon, who authorised the expenditure, what approvals were obtained and whether Parliament was properly informed,” she said.
She said procurement safeguards – including competitive tendering, due diligence, proper documentation and approvals – were fundamental protections for public money.
“Where those safeguards are bypassed, there must be accountability,” Liloqula said.
She also called on NHA Chairman Dr Jimmy Rodgers and the Government to provide a clear, evidence-based response to the Auditor General’s findings and the High Court ruling.
Liloqula said where evidence pointed to possible wrongdoing, the appropriate authorities should conduct investigations and take lawful action.
She said the Pacific Games should leave a legacy extending beyond sporting facilities.
“They should also leave a legacy of stronger institutions, better financial controls and a culture of transparency and accountability,” she said.
“Public money must be backed by lawful public authority.
“Procurement must be transparent and competitive. Officials entrusted with public funds must be accountable.
“And government spending must deliver demonstrable public value.
“The people deserve nothing less.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.