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Bribery and Corruption Scandal Rocks Papua New Guinea’s Climate Change Response Agency
A major bribery and corruption scandal has engulfed the government agency responsible for carrying out Papua New Guinea’s climate change response, with senior staff facing criminal proceedings over the alleged misappropriation of millions of dollars.
Official Corruption and Misuse of Funds
The Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) is accused of official corruption, abuse of office, and misappropriation of public funds. Finance manager Ivan Aipi has been charged with 35 offences, including illegally executing cheques for the benefit of acting managing director William Lakain and his associates.
- Police have seized computers and financial records from the CCDA’s Port Moresby premises as part of an investigation that began after two whistleblowers raised concerns with authorities last year.
- One of the staff members, Alfred Rungol, a senior CCDA official who has served as an expert with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), alleged that two senior CCDA staff members sought to have 45,000 kina ($20,000) transferred into their personal bank accounts as reimbursement for attending a conference in Germany.
Outrage and Calls for Accountability
The allegations have sparked outrage, with critics calling for accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.
“This is taxpayers’ money, or international funding… people are suffering in communities, and we have money that we can assist, yet the people are not seeing any assistance from climate change office,” said Rungol.
The CCDA and International Funding
The CCDA receives 7 per cent of the revenue from the New Ireland Hardwood Timber (NIHT) carbon credits project in Papua New Guinea’s New Ireland province. The project has sold carbon credits to Australian banks, super funds, law firms, the Sydney Opera House, and environmental group Planet Ark.
Police Allegations
Police have also alleged that Ivan Aipi’s wife, Magistrate Hilda Aipi, attempted to bribe an investigating police officer with 3,000 kina ($1,300). The officer claims Ms Aipi met him at a courthouse car park and pushed the money into his manilla folder, telling him it was from her husband and Mr Lakain.
Concerns Over Corruption in Papua New Guinea
The allegations have sparked a heated debate over corruption in Papua New Guinea’s public sector.
“Climate change is a global issue and PNG is a recipient of countries who are donating to assist us,” said Joel Simatab, director of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary crimes division. “When we have our internal processes being abused, brought into question, especially in terms of finance, it gives a very bad impression back to our donors.”
The Effectiveness of Papua New Guinea’s Anti-Corruption Efforts
The case has also raised concerns over the effectiveness of Papua New Guinea’s anti-corruption efforts. The country has struggled with corruption for decades, and critics say that weak governance and lack of accountability have allowed corruption to thrive.
CCDA Denial and Government Pressure
The CCDA has denied any wrongdoing, with Mr Lakain accusing police of interfering in an internal disciplinary matter. However, the allegations have sparked widespread outrage, and many are calling for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
As the investigation continues, Papua New Guinea’s government is under pressure to take action against those responsible for the alleged corruption. The country’s reputation as a recipient of international aid and donor funding hangs in the balance, and critics say that any failure to act could have serious consequences for its development efforts.