CHAIRMAN of the Aoke/langalanga Constituency Development Committee Matthew Walekoro has rebuffed the recent statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development against the MP for Aokelangalanga.
Mr Walekoro said PS MID Stephen Maesiola’s statement was misleading, defamatory and disrespectful.
Mr Walekoro said it is obvious that the PS has bowed down to political pressure to score political points against the MP for AokeLangalanga Hon Matthew Wale.
He said Mr Maesiola’s action has clearly brought his office into disrepute.
“As head of the Aokelangalanga Constituency Development Committee (CDC), I categorically deny the inference made that, the $2m funds obtained were not spent on any goods under the project,” he said.
Mr Walekoro said in accordance with our Constituency Development Plan, the funds were well received and spent on all targeted areas in the transport and agricultural sector.
He acknowledged Hon. Wale and the Government for the funding that had enabled fishermen, farmers and community groups to access brand new OBMs, boats and vehicles for use in their respective sectors.
“These are benefits that would not have eventuated if wasn’t for the funding and were well publicised in our communities,” he said.
The CDC Chairman said it is therefore surprising that the PS would deny any knowledge of these activities when the handing over of most of the materials and assets purchased were witnessed by all stakeholders involved including his own senior staff and former Deputy Secretary.
He said as far as Aokelangalanga Constituency is concerned, all decisions relating to projects including the one in question, from, appraisal, implementation and payment are handled with by the CDC headed by the Constituency Development Officer and himself.
“We have always worked with the responsible Ministries on all our project issues and do have a good working relationship. We are happy to sit with the PS to answer any questions that he may have regarding the paper trail if he so wishes,” he said.
Mr Walekoro said the fact that Maesiola opted to use the media to single out the MP is not only pointless but raises serious questions on his neutrality as a public servant and head of the Ministry.
He said fishing and farming is the lifeline of our people and any misrepresentation of our issues by top government officials for political gain is strongly detested.
“Why did he make such a misleading statement against our MP when some of the recipients of shipping grants approved and paid out under his watch have NO SHIPS to show for the funds they obtained? He should investigate that and his own office on the public funds poured into the improvement of his own office, which remains incomplete to date? Mr Walekoro said.
He said as far as the beneficiary fishermen, farmers, churches and communities of Aokelangalanga are concerned, the variation of the project purpose and application were in order and necessary to meet the most pressing areas of need.
“My committee therefore again thank Hon. Wale and will continue to deliver on his plans for the Constituency. We will continue to support Hon. Wale and will not bow down to any pressure that does not serve the interest of our people but that of some small-minded opponents,” he said.
– Opposition Press
