Solomons’ corruption a ‘cancer’

SOLOMON ISLANDS – The Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has warned that seven more arrests related to corruption will be made in the coming days.

Sogavare made the announcement while addressing a rally in Honiara held to mark International Anti-Corruption Day.

He used the occasion to launch his Anti-Corruption Strategy and Action Plan for the next three years.

The prime minister said as of August, the police the Ministry of Finance formalised their cooperation with regards to investigating corruption.

He said as a result they have now a total of 13 cases pending.

The government said two arrests have been made and seven more are to be made in the next few days.

Sogavare described corruption as a cancer which grows increasingly in size and sophistication because public officials, aided by the private sector and others, continuously and routinely abuse their office for personal gain.

The prime minister said if corruption was not stopped, roads will not be built properly, schools and clinics would lie in ruin and basic public services would be not be provided.

- RNZI