Dear Editor – Something that the current provincial government should take it hard and ensure that this trend is stopped immediately.
Records confirmed that since then the projects in Rennell and Bellona seem to continue failed without stop.
A number of factors but let me suggest that one reasons was the lack of mechanism that needs to be put place for the proper monitoring and controlling of projects.
It is important because these are huge resources and money that should benefit our people but somehow wasted without any body showing any concerns.
The tender for the constructing of the Multi-Purpose Hall was finally up in the Stars issue this week.
However, whilst I applauded the effort of the task force, I noted that the advertisement needs more clarification.
Especially it appears that it’s only a labor contract. If it so, then who is contracting the other components like procurement, transportation, etc. if hand-picked then why?
Just recently it was confirmed by the premier in this same paper that all must go through tender for transparency and accountability.
What happened to the other components of the project, Mr Task Force? Hope we are not there to serve our own interest.
The Japan Embassy Grass Root Project Scheme had shut out to the entire Rennell and Bellona People since until today, simply because of one very selfish individual who had failed that office.
Information confirmed that the contractor had miserably failed the project and instead of penalizing that contractor, the Japan Embassy Office in Honiara, see it fit to penalize the whole province, which in my view is a very harsh and unfair decision that the Japan Embassy Office here in Honiara needs to reconsider.
However, to prevent this happening again, I would like to suggest that any contractor who participates or fails any project, should face its full consequences.
Even if that means selling his properties (if he does) to repay back that fail project, then so be it.
Precedent has been set over the $10m under MHMS that defectors are sending to jail for misusing those public funds.
If that is so, then why not Renbel Province?
Also it will distinguish those opportunists, conmen and money hunters from those genuine contractors who want to contribute to our infrastructure development in the province.
At the same time, it should send a strong reminder to every contractor and administrator to teach themselves.
Finally, I recommend that any part/section in that contract agreement should reserve the right of the province or the line ministry or anybody to sue that defector if possible.
These must be the first thing first and must be done to protect the provincial and national government from all the upcoming proposed tenders.
If it happens then obviously any conman will always find it hard because the law will always there for that person.
Stee Ta’akihenua
Renbel Province
