Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Parliamentary Opposition Group is raising serious concerns over a SBD$100,000-a-month Government rental arrangement involving a property over which Prime Minister Matthew Wale holds the Fixed Term Estate, saying the matter raises important questions about transparency, accountability and the use of public funds.
The issue concerns a reported SBD$100,000 monthly Forestry rental arrangement involving property at Tolu Street, Lengakiki, identified as Parcel No. 191-015-058.
The Opposition has obtained a certified Certificate of Title for the property which identifies Mr. Wale as the registered Fixed Term Estate holder. The title material provided to the Opposition does not record a registered lease or sublease in favour of THM Logistics Limited.
The Ministry of Forestry and Research is reported to have entered into a tenancy arrangement with THM Logistics Limited. However, the title material identifies Prime Minister Wale as the registered Fixed Term Estate holder and does not show THM Logistics Limited as a registered lessee or sublessee of the property.
The Leader of the Official Opposition, Hon. Manasseh D. Sogavare, MP, said the matter cannot simply be treated as an ordinary administrative arrangement when public funds are involved and the property is connected to the Prime Minister’s registered land interest.
“This is a test of leadership. The Prime Minister has spoken repeatedly about integrity, accountability and zero tolerance for abuse of public office. Those principles must apply when public money is paid in connection with property over which he holds the registered Fixed Term Estate.”
Hon. Sogavare said the outstanding questions concern the basis of the rental arrangement, including how the property was selected and how the rental rate was established.
“My concern is not simply the amount being paid. The Government needs to explain why this particular property was selected, what process was followed in selecting it, and how the SBD$100,000 monthly rental rate was determined.”
The Opposition is also aware of other Government ministries that have rented multiple floors of commercial office space in the Honiara CBD for more than SBD$200,000 a month while their headquarters were undergoing major construction. The Opposition said this provides a relevant comparison and raises the question of whether SBD$100,000 a month for premises accommodating six staff represents value for money.
The Opposition said these questions go directly to the standards expected when public money is being committed.
“If THM Logistics held valid authority from the registered proprietor, whether through a power of attorney, agency appointment, head lease, sublease or another lawful instrument, then the Government should produce that document.”
The Opposition Leader, who is also a member of the Public Accounts Committee, said he was disappointed during the Committee’s recent hearing that supporting documents requested from the Ministry were not provided.
“The Committee should be able to examine the records supporting the expenditure it is asked to scrutinise. The failure to provide documents requested by a parliamentary committee is also a serious matter that raises concerns about respect for the authority and privileges of Parliament”.
Hon. Sogavare said the Government should now provide the outstanding documentation so the arrangement can be properly examined.
“The Supplementary Appropriation has been passed. The issue now is not to revisit the budget decision, but to ensure that the supporting documentation is available and that the Government can account properly for the arrangement.”
The Opposition is therefore calling on the Ministry of Forestry and Research to provide the relevant records requested through the PAC process, including the tenancy agreement, documents establishing THM Logistics Limited’s authority to lease the premises, procurement and valuation records, relevant legal advice and approvals, and records relating to the rental payments.
“A Prime Minister cannot simply speak about integrity and accountability while failing to demonstrate those same standards when public money is connected to his own registered land interest,” Hon. Sogavare said. “The real test is whether his Government can show that the arrangement was handled openly, lawfully and in the public interest.”
The Opposition makes no final finding against Prime Minister Wale, THM Logistics Limited, public officers or any other person. It calls for full disclosure and independent examination of the title, authority, legal, procurement and payment records before any final conclusion is reached.
