LEADER of Opposition Matthew Wale has questioned why there was no enquiry into the missing millions under the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP).
Speaking in Parliament in his response to the Speech from the Throne, Hon Wale questioned why the government has protected the misappropriation of the 2023 RSDP that it was willing to forego 2024 RSDP funding because of the lack of reporting.
He said $80M was misused in 2023 and $80M was foregone in 2024.
“Why is the Government keeping this a secret?” Hon Wale questioned in Parliament.
The Opposition Leader said the Prime Minister must answer to the misuse and misappropriation and the lack of accountability for the 2023 RSDP.
Hon Wale said the Prime Minister cannot push that responsibility elsewhere.
He said the way the 2023 RSDP was managed in many ways exemplify government’s approach to corruption.
The Opposition Leader said although RSDP is PRC tax-payer funds, they are given to the people of Solomon Islands, and government has a duty of care to ensure its proper, transparent, and accountable use.
“Instead, government has allowed a few individuals to use it as they see fit, of course as long as it benefits key persons in government,” he said.
Hon Wale said there is no accountability for this and if this is GNUT’s attitude to corruption, there never will be accountability for it during this government’s life.
“Is this the transformation the people of Solomon Islands should expect?” he questioned.
– Opposition Press
