Dear Editor – Voters of the North West Choiseul constituency cannot access any form of assistance unless they are in the voters’ list in the hands of their MP.
This is the very word of MP Conley Sadakabatu dated August 22nd 2015 at his residence in Lungga area of East Honiara.
Not only that I was upset, but filled with wonder and confusion though not at all ashamed to be confronted by the MP when he displayed his tone of voices to showcase his power in front of his other supporters on the morning of 22 August 2015.
The MP pointed to various items being bought from the constituency development funds at his residence and confirmed that only those appeared in his list will benefit from everything in the area.
Knowing well, I did not vote for him because I was out from the country during the election period, he told me that I am not eligible to any of the items or even any form of benefit from the constituency funds.
While he was still talking, one of his supporters and blood relation, named Lote reiterated by saying, “You see, all these things will be distributed to only those that are in the list of voters”.
This is not the first time for such thing to happen. It was voiced by various people from the same constituency, that they were put to shame by their MP just because they did not cast their ballot papers to his box.
In fact this was the fresh news that was spread around the constituency by his supporters, his brothers and his very close relatives soon after the announcement of his winning last year.
The list of voters in the hands of Conley Sadakabatu is not the absolute majority of the people of North West Choiseul constituency. But according to him, they will be the sole beneficiaries of any form of funds/assistance that will go under his discretion.
It was understood, his workmen already submitted to him list of students who their parents voted for him so he could pay for their school fees under the constituency funds.
These are not isolated words. It was spoken by the very supporters of him even some well educated people in the constituency. Very surprising and unbelievable.
I am not well educated but I can tell that this is a constitutional matter and must be addressed accordingly.
The very clear statement made by the MP must not be left unchallenged. It is very annoying and disappointing for the absolute majority in the constituency.
DCC government; you cried aloud when you were in power, that you will battle against unfairness and reform this nation to make everybody have equal access to services; and the constituency development grants should not be an exception.
The government must do something to address this as it will continue to fuel corruption, unfairness and may lead to community destabilization.
It is unbelievable that well educated people, especially educationists who have every knowledge about social development have this childish attitude.
Having this kind of mentality at the very top level in parliament is a total mockery to the leadership function and will only jeopardise the peace process of this nation.
If we want to see communities to leave in harmony so development in rural areas can be achieved, top leaders must make every single effort to address them and the proper use of the constituency funds is one of them.
It is understood that the disaster fund of $100,000 is currently in his hands, but unless someone is in the list, he/she will not access any form of assistance. Sad and shameful indeed!
Edison Vasebo
Ogho Village
N.W. Choiseul Constituency
