The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, has refuted allegations by the Opposition Leader that he influenced the awarding of contracts for the cleaning of Honiara international airport.
Solomon Star newspaper reports that the opposition's Derek Sikua alleges the Prime Minister was influential in the contracting of his close associates for the work.
But Mr Lilo says he had no role in the awarding of contracts as the relevant ministry, Aviation, does not come under his portfolio.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Francis Lomo, says that all contracts at the Henderson Airport are awarded according to procedures governing all Government contracts.
He says that the number of people now benefiting from the contracts in terms of employment is markedly higher, and cheaper, compared to previous contracts.
