MALAITA Outer Islands (MOI) constituents want Taskforce Janus to investigate how their Member of Parliament Martin Kealoe uses the shipping grant to purchase an unseaworthy vessel.
The constituents’ spokesperson Gabriel Kemaiki on Monday said Taskforce Janus need to put some bearing of justice on how Mr Kealoe used the constituency’s shipping grant.
The vessel purchased by Mr Kealoe for MOI using the constituency’s shipping grant is MV Sikta which ran aground in Fiji’s waters after it developed mechanical problems on its way to Solomon Islands.
Since then the vessel is still to arrive in Solomon Islands.
Mr Kealoe said using the constituency’s $5million shipping grant to purchase such an unseaworthy vessel is “a disgrace and shame”.
“We want the investigations to close-in on Honourable Kealoe so that we see justice prevails.
“Now that National General Elections are up next, we want to see this issue of shipping solved,” Mr Kemaiki said.
He said constituents also wanted the audit report which is yet to be submitted to include the bill of sale and bank transactions.
Mr Kealoe came under heavy criticism late last year when he bought the 50-year-old MV Sikta to service his constituency.
The ship’s purchasing process also failed to meet Solomon Islands Maritime Safety regulation and compliances.
Mr Kemaiki said Mr Kealoe is still hoping to get the ship over to Solomon Islands.
Minister for Infrastructure and Development Jimmy Lusibaea recently told parliament that the ministry is working to get MV Sikta to Solomon Islands.
“My knowledge is that our MP wants Mr Lusibaea tobring the shipover here to be repaired at Aviavi Slipway,” Mr Kemaiki said.
Whatever happens, Mr Kemaiki said Taskforce Janus must investigate the use of MOI shipping grant to purchase an old ship.
He said this investigation has to happen without political interference.
By TEDDY KAFO
