27 Jul 2015

Solomons watchdog condemns MPs 100K hotel tab

7:31 am on 27 July 2015

The corruption watchdog, Transparency Solomon Islands, say a 100 thousand US dollar hotel tab gained by three government ministers could cost taxpayers even more than initially thought.

The National Parliament of Solomon Islands in Honiara.

The National Parliament of Solomon Islands in Honiara. Photo: RNZ Koroi Hawkins

Augustine Auga, David Dei Pacha and Bartholomew Parapolo have been named by the opposition as having outstanding bills at Honiara's upmarket Heritage Park Hotel.

TSI's vice chairperson Andrew Muaki says not only have the MPs run up exorbitant bills dating back to January, but they have also received a monthly housing allowance of more than 1,000 dollars each.

"If parliament or the prime minister's office pay for that bill then it is basically double dipping. The ministers are given the 15000 (SBD) per month. And at the same time their accommodation at the Heritage Park as you know is the most expensive hotel in Solomon Islands. It basically amounts to double dipping. And that is clearly wrong."

The vice chair of Transparency Solomon Islands Andrew Muaki.