Tkatchenko owes public an explanation on contract

 I READ with great disappointment comments from Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko that the K263 million contract awarded to the Chinese Railway Company was in the best interest of the people (Nov 14) when  there was speculation surrounding how it was awarded to a contractor who was never shortlisted and that the amount exceeded  the original valued figures. 

How could he claim the contract to be in the best interest of the people without explaining all the public speculation? 

This is public money and the public deserves to know how its  money is put to use. 

We have had enough corruption and cannot allow this one to  be swept under the carpet. 

Where are all our vocal parliamentary leaders who used to speak out against such practices? 

Are we  going  to sit down and just watch millions of kina get misused in broad daylight?

Where is the prime minister who was very vocal in ordering a second audit into the Lae road saga recently? 

Where is the transparency and accountability here?

How can we preach of getting rid of corruption when we keep on practicing it  and allowing it to happen? 

I can only conclude that this Pacific Games Village contract has a conflict of interest between the sports minister and other parliamentary leaders, and that is why no one is willing to speak up against the illegal awarding of the contract and how the new contract value exceeded the first value. 

Douglas Gilichibi

Port Moresby