Solomons Opposition leader concern over huge spending for government Minister

The Solomon Islands government has spent SBD$160 thousand on a trip by Provincial Government Minister Japhet Waipora, his wife a two others to South Korea to witness the handing over of a ship for the West Makira constituency.

The other two include Mr Waipora's Permanent Secretary and his Executive Personal Secretary.

Opposition Leader Fred Fono says he understood the Prime Minister's Office had spent SBD$95 thousand on return airfares, per diems and imprest for Mr Waipora and his Permanent Secretary.

The Opposition leaders says the department of Provincial Government had spent SBD$70 thousand in return airfares, imprest and per diems for Mrs Waipora and his Executive Personal secretary.

Mr Fono however says there is no provision in the Parliamentary Entitlement's Regulation for ministers to take their spouses on overseas trips, except the Prime Minister.

Mr Fono says there is no justification for Mr Waipora to include his wife and Executive personal secretary in the trip.

He however applauds Mr Waipora for helping the people of West Makira with the one-million dollar ship from South Korea.

Source: SIBC