Tanangada clarifies proposed $2.4M residence
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
JIMSON Tanangada, former Member of Parliament (MP) for Gizo-Kolombangara Constituency, Western Province has clarified the truth behind leaked documents on Facebook, over a proposed SBD$2.5M property in Honiara.
The photographed documents were posted in the ‘Gizo’ Group page on Facebook, amidst other Gizo-Kolombangara by-election heated posts, a fortnight ago.
Documents uploaded were a copy of a HCC receipt, architectural/construction drawings, and other proposal documents for the million dollar residential property.
It was stated in the post that the proposed building site was identified as Koloale, in central Honiara.
The Solomon Star was tipped by forum members, where Mr Tanangada was then questioned over the allegations leveled against him and his wife – a candidate vying for the constituency seat.
Under the thread, commentators have questioned where the former MP will get such huge amount of money to proceed on in building the house.
Responding to the issue, Mr Tanangada said, he is humbled to share his side of the story.
“I humbly wish to explain the truth I know about the information posted against my family.
“Yes, the 3 bedroom building if completed according to architectural plan total cost is $2.4 M.
“As part the requirements for approval by relevant building authority our Architecture submitted it.
“It is not the money we have but the total cost once the building is completed,” Mr Tanangada stated.
He added, his family had inquired with two commercial banks, Bank of South Pacific (BSP) and the ANZ Banking group for a home loan which any citizen of Solomon Islands is entitled to.
“Those banks are willing to lend us loan stage by stage once the building plan is approve,” he added.
Mr Tanangada said, currently, his family is awaiting approval by Honiara City Council (HCC) Building and Country Planning Board since 2016 to date, before the banks can consider their application.
Whilst this information might be used against his family for unknown reasons, the former Parliamentarian personally appreciated it.
He said this has informed everyone that someone can venture into any development, utilizing existing financial institutions that are available.
Meanwhile, other commentators have also stated that the post which was uploaded in the eleventh-hour of the by-election is simply orchestrated by others to disturb the ideal choices of voters in the coming election.
The Gizo-Kolombangara seat became vacant after the former MP was convicted of bribery.
Mr Tanangada was found guilty following Gordon Darcy Lilo’s election petition against him after the 2014 polls. His loss to Tanangada was the biggest upset of the General Elections that year.
His wife Lanelle Tanangada, a teacher by profession is also contesting for the Gizo-Kolombangara seat, come May 23.
