IF you think the public has exhausted being aware of alleged questionable business dealings by AIPF owner, Rwandan national, Deogratias Harorimana in Honiara, think again.
Or if you think that Dr. Deo’s dealings were confined to the building industry only, think again. Still, if you think his dealings with schools in Honiara were confined to providing computer training to students, think again.
What has transpired so far appears to be just a tip of the iceberg.
An investigation by the Solomon Star newspaper has found that New Hope Academy, a private school located next to the YWCA hostel at Town Ground is the latest that Dr. Deo has locked in under a $720, 000-deal for the next three years.
The first year is due to end later this year, according to information obtained by Solomon Star.
Under the deal signed with the management of the primary school last year, New Hope Academy made an upfront payment of $150, 000. The school will pay Dr. Deo $20, 000 a month for the next 24 months,” Solomon Star was told.
“The good thing about this deal is that the $150, 000 paid upfront is part of the total payment of $720, 000,” those with the knowledge of the deal, said.
In return, Dr Deo paid for the building materials which he used to complete the east end of the classroom building.
“He has completed the section of the building. What is left is the $480, 000 the School will have to find the money to pay Dr. Deo,” teachers at the school said.
“It is not an ideal arrangement but at the time our focus was to complete the classroom. We simply did not have the money to complete it so when Dr Deo offered to complete the building on the basis of reimbursements, it was the only way out,” a board member said.
New Hope Academy enrolled about 200 primary school students this year. It operates a Kindergarten next to the Rita Eleven Building at Kukum off the Kukum highway.
The school was established in 2006 with funding support from the late Reverend Moon’s religious group in South Korea.
By ALFRED SASAKO
Newsroom, Honiara
