Inquiry faces hiccup

THE Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the sale and purchase of the Motukea Wharf in Port Moresby has heard that a number of witnesses are yet to be served with their summons.
Counsel assisting the inquiry Gibson Geroro told COI chairman and commissioner Sike Julian Toulik in Port Moresby yesterday that arrangements had been made to ensure the summons were served to those persons concerned.
He also told the COI that a number of witnesses who were listed to appear were unavailable due to the general election 2022.
Geroro, therefore, asked that all matters be adjourned to Thursday.
Toulik, who granted Geroro’s request for an adjournment, said GE22 had affected the appearance of witnesses. However, Toulik said this would not affect the progress of the COI.
“This inquiry is important (as it) sets the benchmark for future inquiries and our young leaders who are coming up will refer back to what has happened.
The National reported earlier that in 2019, the Marepe-led Government froze the contract with Curtain Brothers, pending a proper investigation into the sale and purchase of Motukea.
The Government also sanctioned an investigation into the purchase of the Motukea Port by the prevoius O’Neill-led government.
In 2014, the Government signed a purchase agreement to relocate Port Moresby’s main wharf to Motukea.