Gov’t, UNDP deny paying former special constables
A big number of former special constables are in Honiara to collect payments they claimed the government had promised them.
A spokesman said they are to be paid on May 26, with each person expecting to receive $300,000.
He claimed the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provided funds, which are channelled through the government, which will facilitate the pay-outs.
However, when contacted both the UNDP office in Honiara and the Office of the Prime Minister denied any knowledge of the payment.
Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Andrew Muaki said he is not aware of the claim.
“I am not aware of this claim or any Cabinet deliberation on the matter,” Muaki said.
UNDP country manager Azusa Kubota said his office is not funding any claims from former special constables.
“We have no knowledge of this,” Kubota said.
“Let me state it clearly that our office has not provided any funding for the payment of former special constables,” he added.
Kubota also denied claims UNDP are organising training for the former special constables to train them on financial management.
One of the former special constables claimed they will be attending training this week in Honiara on financial management to prepare them well on how best to use their money.
He said officials of the Prime Minister’s Office have already met them and assured them funds are ready for payout.
These former special constables were engaged by the then Sogavare government to tackle the law and order problem in Honiara during the tension period.
They were demobilised just before RAMSI arrived here in 2003.
Last December, the government paid out $3 million to former militants from Malaita.
The payout sparked wide public criticism of the government’s decision to use tax payers money for such purpose.
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
