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Sports |
Campaign against Vele not justified
THERE appears to be a campaign
against Wari Vele which is not justified.
The main person behind it is former NCDC chairman Sir Mekere
Morauta, supported by Welfare Minister Dame Carol Kidu.
Both Sir Mekere and Dame Carol sit on the NCDC board yet they see
it fit to bring the matter to the streets rather than among the
board Members or Parliament.
When he was prime minister, Sir Mekere changed various laws
governing statutory institutions such as Nasfund to remove
political interference.
After his government was voted out in the 2002 general election,
he lobbied to have the NCD status changed and he later became the
chairman, contrary to his “no political interference” policy.
I agree with Vele’s move to engage a reputable overseas audit firm
to check the NCDC books over the last four years.
Sir Mekere’s team awarded contracts to several construction
companies to maintain the roads in the city valued at several
millions of kina.
With the amendments to the NCDC Act, Vele will be able to help the
majority of the residents who live in suburbs neglected by Sir
Mekere, such as Sabama, Gerehu Morata, Kilakila and Hohola.
Sir Mekere was more concerned for those living at Touaguba Hill.
Why did people like Mike Manning, Peter Aitsi and Bishop Sir Brian
Barnes not protest when Sir Mekere amended the NCDC Act?
Why did they not protest over the millions spent to rehabilitate
just 500m of road?
Why did they not make any noise when an elected leader like the
late Sir William Skate was denied his democratic right by this
government which changed the law rendering him powerless?
When the NCDC books are audited, they will have a lot of
explaining to do to the public and their organisations.
Vele was mandated by more than 50,000 voters to represent them in
Parliament and they will ensure that he is returned in the coming
general election.
I urge Sir Mekere and Dame Carol to leave Vele alone, humble
themselves and work closely for the next four months to provide
services to the NCD.
Jo Kalakai
Port Moresby
 
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