FORMER Malaita Eagle Force militants are questioning the National Reconciliation Committee over forms which they fill up for project proposals and gave to the committee last year.
Spokesperson for the former militants Faiga Wasi told Solomon Star that over 2000 former militants submitted their project proposals to Solomon Islands Post-Conflict Reconciliation, Rehabilitation and Restoration Association (SIPCRRRA) Malaita general secretary Timothy Taudee.
Mr Wasi said this was done following the advice of Mr Taudee after the National Apology Week in July last year.
He said Mr Taudee instructed them to open bank accounts so that money intended for their proposed projects are sent into their accounts.
“We already satisfied these requirements in November last year and submitted our project proposals to Mr Taudee who then handed them to the National Reconciliation Committee led by Fr John Ngalihesi on November 29,” Mr Wasi said.
He said they were told to apply for projects of $150,000 and upwards.
Some of the projects these former militants applied for include housing, piggery, saw milling, poultry, fishing projects and others.
Mr Wasi said only vehicle projects are restricted.
However, he said since they submitted those project proposals they have not heard anything from the National Reconciliation Committee.
“We were in Honiara just this month to hear updates from the projects but the meeting was cancelled.
“Instead we heard rumours that our project proposals have been rejected.
“This is unacceptable,” a disappointed Mr Wasi said.
He said if this is the decision of the National Reconciliation Committee and SIPCRRRA Malaita Office then Mr Taudee or Fr Ngalihesi should formally inform them of their decision.
“It is not good to leave us in the dark especially after all the consultations between SIPCRRRA Malaita Office and the National Reconciliation Committee about rehabilitation projects for former Malaita Eagle Force militants.
“These consultations have been happening since January 2016 to November 2016,” Mr Wasi said.
“Why was Mr Taudee unable to attend our meeting this month to explain to us what is going on?”
Solomon Star was unable to get comments for Mr Taudee and Fr Ngalihesi.
By BIRA’AU WILSON SAENI
In Auki
