Gov’t needs to act on HCC

Hon. Wale is calling on the government to take appropriate actions to address the serious allegations of corruption and abuse of office levelled against Honiara City Council (HCC) Mayor, the Clerk, and businessman Szetu who is an appointed councilor.

Hon. Wale said he understands that an independent report has been issued after investigations into the allegations.

He said the government must study the report and take corrective action, and adds that this matter cannot be allowed to continue to drag on.

Hon. Wale compares the HCC issues to that of Malaita and said the government was very quick to threaten Malaita provincial government with suspension for acting within the law and common sense.

On the serious HCC issues, Hon. Wale said, “it seems the government is dragging its feet and seems uninterested. Worse, the Minister on his visit to the council urged councilors to resolve their differences and carry on – ignoring the very serious allegations. Why is this the case?”

“Honiara City Council is a local government dealing with public resources and governance. It must not be allowed to be mired in serious allegations of corruption without remedial action being taken by the government.

“If the allegations are not true, then it is incumbent on the government to also inform the public about that,” Hon. Wale added.