Dear Editor – Its interesting to read and see the ongoing words of battle by a number of our top officials connected to the aviation authority.
Anyway, my concern is with the technical aspect of who is going to look after the authority since the acting director George Satu is being relieved from duty.
I have learnt with interest the many years of experience by Mr Satu.
He has 37 years of experience in this area.
And if am right, that position is very technical and requires alot of people with experience.
I know there are few locals in the authority that can take on the responsibility.
In the past we have some one from the New Zealand, by the name of Mr McGregor who was in charge of that office before one local came in then Mr Satu replaced him.
Its interesting to read Mr Satu’s article that appeared last Thursday where some people did not want to listen to his technical advice.
Mr Satu, I believe is one one of the experienced locals to have worked in the authority.
His knowledge about the aviation and the changes that are taking place is vast.
His attendance to overseas meeting every now I guess is important so that Solomon Islands can also aligned with the international aviation standards which are kept changing due to threat from international terrorism and transnational crime.
Mr Satu is also an expert to certify which airport is ready to operate and has the right to stop any airlines services to an airport which he deemed as unsuitable for landing.
I know government has invested alot of money in ensuring that Satu must attend such important aviation meetings.
So its like a huge loss for the govt in terms of his expertise and the investment it had done on him for the past 37 years.
However, because of this audit report, things have turned out this way.
So looks like we will have some interesting times ahead to find out who is also benefiting from the aviation funds one way or another.
The call last week by the Minister for Aviation Peter Shanel that justice must be served in relation to the aviation saga is also timely and lets allow that to happen.
I know this can help to open up the ‘can of worm’ which had been exposed last week.
Interesting times are coming ahead. And I know everyone are waiting for more exposure.
My other question is, why is that the funds surrounding the construction of the Maneoba airport in North Malaita which runs into millions of dollars is taken too long to be investigated.
I want those involved in the missing funds to also face justice.
It had taken so long now and there are still no answer.
Let those who have a share in the funds for the airport construction must be exposed as well, Mr Minister.
They need to answer to millions of tax payers’ monies.
Some people have benefited so much from this fund and are building their own mansions and empires.
Rata Dan
Honiara
