THE Auditor General (AG) is in the process of appointing an external auditing firm to audit the accounts of Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA).
This is to find out any irregularities in SIPA’s account following the sacking of former Chief Executive Officer, Colin Yow recently.
Chairman of SIPA Board, Billy Titiulu said they are working with the Auditor General’s Office to make the appointment.
He said an appointment will be made very shortly to identify the external auditor.
Attempts to talk to SIPA new CEO, Michael Wate was unsuccessful because he was busy.
Furthermore, Auditor General, Robert Cohen and his deputy are currently in overseas and should arrive back in the country this weekend.
As part of the process the appointment will be done through tender process where external auditors will apply.
After the OAG will review their applications before identifying the winning auditing firm to carry out the audit.
OAG is responsible to carry out auditing on any State Owned Enterprises and Statutory bodies as mandated under section 108 of the national constitution.
It is also responsible to appoint external auditors to do forensic auditing on the government’s institutions.
In the meantime, Solomon Star understands police had carried out separate investigation into SIPA plus the Commission of Inquiry, which commenced its work on Monday.
The COI was appointed by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
By EDDIE OSIFELO