Minister orders probe on South Sea

 MINISTER for Trade Commerce and Industry Richard Maru has ordered an immediate investigation into the operations of South Sea Tuna Cannery in Wewak 

The Taiwanese-owned company specialises in skinning and boning tuna for overseas canneries.

It has been alleged the cannery had not been paying dividends to East Sepik provincial government since it operated in 2002.

The company had also failed to pick up shares that were bought by funds allegedly obtained from various local level governments in East Sepik.

Maru questioned how South SeaTuna Cannery could still be operating for more than 10 years if it was a loss-making venture.

“Something is not right and it is very suspicious,” he said.

An investigation team will be formed in two weeks to look into the issue, Maru said.

The probe panel would comprise representatives from Internal Revenue Commission, Department of Environment and Conservation and other agencies of this department. 

Maru said the terms of reference for investigation was currently being finalised.

He said the government would also  review its deal with RD Tuna Canners of Madang in the coming weeks.