The Vanuatu government has ordered an investigation into the running of the Port Vila council, amid allegations of maladministration and mismanagement of council funds by teh mayor, Patrick Crowby.
The probe follows concern by opposition councillors of the Vanuaaku Pati who raised six matters of alleged corruption in a complaint made to the prime minister and the minister of internal affairs.
They include aspects of a contract, the size of the salary paid to Mr Crowby and alleged differences in the allowance paid to councillors from various parties.
Mr Crowby belongs to the opposition National United Party.
