The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has continued its investigation into the Government’s VT180 million Value Addition Investment Capital Fund, questioning members of the fund’s Steering Committee over the fund’s approval process and whether some recipients met the required eligibility criteria.

The hearing focused on how the fund was administered and whether all successful applicants satisfied the required criteria before receiving financial support.

PAC member MP Andrew Wilbur Napuat says as Vanuatu continues its fight against corruption, everyone has a responsibility to ensure allegations are properly addressed.

He questioned what action the Government would take if wrongdoing is identified.

“What is the Government’s position on this? They are in the best position to deal with it. If we do not deal with these kinds of corrupt practices, it means we are allowing corruption to continue within Government.”

Mr Napuat says the Opposition will submit evidence to police for further investigation, but believes the Government is in the strongest position to ensure any findings from the PAC inquiry receive appropriate action.

He says PAC will also provide its evidence to both the Government and the Opposition to support any further investigations.

“Government, Opposition, Police, prosecutors and public servants must work together if we want to eliminate corruption. We all have a role to play in ensuring corruption does not continue within the Government system.”

The PAC investigation into the VT180 million Value Addition Investment Capital Fund is continuing, with further hearings expected as the Committee progresses its inquiry.

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