Where’s East Makira funding? -From Solomon Star Letters to the Editor

By Chief Stanley Sukurunita

Tawaroga, East Makira

Tuesday, 22 September 2009


DEAR EDITOR –
Listening to the radio now and then I heard service messages from some MPs talking about things they buy and send home for their constituencies.

These kinds of messages talked about church buildings, clinics, schools, solar lighting, fishing gears and the list goes on.

I would like to ask our honorable member for East Makira about how he uses RCDF, Micro funds and other such funds available to the MPs for the betterment of village life.

Whilst other MPs are using these funds to help improve their constituencies, I am sad to say that ours is not doing that.

Except for outboard motor engines and boats, chainsaws, bags of rice and flour yes; but these often go to certain families only.

And the issuing of such support seems to be going to these people only, not everyone and anyone in the constituency who deserves the assistance. Support through these kinds of materials as you and I know live a very short life.

We prefer bigger projects that address the common good of all constituents.

I was moved by a recent radio program which featured a big centre for east Choiseul. That is the kind of support which exists for the good of everyone and is what I mean my MP should spend the money he’s been getting over his entire tenure in parliament.

The East Makira constituency has one of the longest serving MPs since inception in the early or mid 80s.

Hon. David Sitai has served six terms or 24 years. I am sure that a lot of people think this constituency had developed more than any other in the country because of its stable leadership.

But sad to say, it is definitely not. So I would like the MP to answer the following questions:

Why no projects? Why no funds available but other constituencies are enjoying many good things their MPs are using the funds on for them? Why no shipping services? Where is the money – millions – gone or going?

Who is using it?

The media always talks about millions of dollars being earmarked for rural development through MPs, but what community projects are there in east Makira?

Why hasn’t the constituency set up such community projects? Not long ago Alfred Sasako published a report which said a copra project centre valued at $200,000 was set up in east Makira. Where was it set up?

Another rumour also talked about a ship for the constituency last year, to be bought either from Australia or Japan.

Is this true? And when is it going to come to serve this forgotten paradise of Makira? Wat taem?

All the loyal supporters of the MP throughout his 24 years in parliament are regretting this loyalty.

Their trust and hopes have been in vain. They have been misled by the vain promises made during the past campaign periods.

But then again, I am not sure whether or not it is the member who is at fault because he has a horde of conmen surrounding him all the time.

And I am certain that a lot of good intentions the MP had had during his 24 years had been squandered by this bunch.

Like others are saying, I call on the MP and his cohorts to put in this forum how they have spent those millions in the last 24 years.