21 Jan 2008

Solomons PM admits to corruption problems

2:36 pm on 21 January 2008

The ruling coalition in Solomon Islands has acknowledged that corruption exist within government systems, with the prime minister warning that increasing disparity is a risk to stability.

The Prime Minister, Derek Sikua, says the recent Auditor General's reports confirm the assertion that corruption in government is occurring on a grand scale.

Dr Sikua says corruption into land dealings is particularly serious because of the long-term injustices that it causes.

Describing the capital, Honiara, as the feeding trough for corruption, he said growing inequality of income distribution is partly fuelled by serious corruption.

The prime minister added that corruption in the forestry sector has meant the exploitation of a major resources to the extent that it is almost depleted and with very little to show for.