First report on shipping grant presented to gov’t
NORTH WEST Choiseul has become the first constituency to produce a report of the $5 million grant it used to purchase MV Vatate and set up its business venture.
The constituency presented its report to the government yesterday.
Chairman of the Taskforce, Moses Pelomo handed the report to his Member of Parliament, Connelly Sandakabatu, who then presented it to Ministry of Rural Development permanent secretary, Selina Boso.
The $5 million grant was part of the $3 million provided by Ministry of Infrastructure under the shipping grant and the $2 million of the Rural Development constituency grant.
Ms Boso said this report signifies accountability and transparency on the use of public funds.
Furthermore, she said the spillover of having MV Vatate enabled its own investment company, which will encourage indigenous business in the country.
She said this will allow the people of North West Choiseul to grow and develop their constituency that will contribute to the country’s development as well.
“This is the first of its kind we have noted,” Ms Boso said.
“Other constituencies have received particular assistance, but are yet to show part of accountability and transparency in assets acquired like ship,” she said.
Chairman of taskforce, Mr Pelomo said they believe this was the best way to thank the Government that’s to show what they used with the money they received from it.
MP Sandakabatu said he was humbled and happy to receive this report on how the taskforce has used this $5m from government.
“Certainly it is not an easy task, quite difficult but you have overcome the trouble.
“I am really honoured and happy to choose people with integrity and stamina and hard working to do work for our people of North West Choiseul,” he said.
MV Vatate, which was commissioned last Saturday, is expected to make its first shipping run to North West Choiseul on Monday.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
