PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Tuesday has described allegations against him over the misuse of the Republic of China (ROC) funds and his purchase of two properties in Honiara as fabricated to smear his public image.
Responding to allegations made by former Deputy Prime Minister Douglas Ete in Parliament, Mr Sogavare said it is hypocritical of Mr Ete to question the use of ROC funds when he himself presided over the Caucus meetings that decided on areas that the funds could be expended on.
The Prime Minister was away in New York for the 70th UNGA when the Caucus discussed how the funds could be used.
Mr Sogavare said the report on the Caucus deliberations on the ROC funds would be allocated was submitted to him on his return from New York and it was signed by none other than Mr Ete himself.
The Prime Minister informed Parliament that the entire SBD$80 million ROC donated funds has already been programmed as specified by the Caucus decision with $50 million to be expended on respective constituency development programs with an additional $20 million to support those constituency programs.
The Ministry of Rural Development has already made submission to the Prime Minister’s Office to formally request the ROC Embassy to release the funds to implement the constituency development programs this year.
The remaining $10 million will be used to support other project proposals and beginning in 2016, it will be used to start the building of sporting facilities in Honiara and other suitable locations around the country to support the country’s bid to host the 2023 Pacific Games.
On questions relating to the two properties in East Honiara, which cost $1.5 million, Mr Sogavare said the allegations that he accessed ROC funds to purchase the properties were grossly misleading.
The Prime Minister said the funds were simply accessed from a bank loan made by his family to purchase the properties.
He urged the former Deputy Prime Minister and his cohorts to consult with the ANZ Bank to confirm the loan arrangements made by his family to purchase the properties.
Mr Ete resigned last Sunday night insinuating that the Prime Minister used ROC funds to purchase the properties.
