In September 2023, the Ombudsman Commission registered an own-initiative investigation into the alleged awarding of a road patching project in Kokopo City to a local company without following due process.
The Commission commenced enquiries with the relevant authorities to establish and verify the allegations and visited project sites, confirming maintenance works had been undertaken. Through its enquiries, the Commission established the following:
- The maintenance works were undertaken as an urgent intervention following a directive issued by the Kokopo District Member of Parliament (MP).
- This directive was prompted by the deteriorating conditions of the four-lane road, which posed significant safety concerns for motorists and the general public.
- The pothole patching works were personally funded by the Kokopo District MP.
- No payments were made to the contractor by the government or any relevant authority for the works undertaken.
- The initiative was solely driven by the urgent need for road maintenance to ensure public safety and continuous accessibility.
- The relevant government authority acknowledged the concerns raised and assured the Commission that all procedures regarding road maintenance and contract engagements will be duly observed in the future.
The Commission considered these findings and was satisfied that the engagement of the said company was done as an act of goodwill by the Leader. The Commission highly commends him for his leadership and service to his constituents.