PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Tuesday announced plans to fight corruption and boost the economy in a major speech to launch the government’s policy document.
The launch came exactly 50 days after Mr Sogavare and his Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) swept into power on 9 December last year.
“We are determined to fight corruption head-on and we would be inviting the relevant civil organisations to join us in this endeavour,” Mr Sogavare said.
“A comprehensive National Anti-Corruption Strategy will be developed; an Anticorruption legislation will be enacted; and an Independent Commission Against Corruption will be established; all as essential elements of our determination to fight against corruption,” he added.
He continued:
“To date, we seem to be getting worse in the way we manage public funds notwithstanding the enactment of the new Public Financial Management Act in 2014.
“Let me make it unequivocally clear that I want this problem to be addressed as soon as possible.
“I want more stringent accountability measures put in place to ensure that every cent and dollar of public moneys is accounted for.
“And where a public officer or member of the public is found to be flirting with this requirement to be investigated and prosecuted immediately.
“My Government has zero tolerance for the poor management of public moneys and assets, and we will do everything in our power to safeguard public funds.”
By DANIEL NAMOSUAIA
