The government has ordered the Electricity Commission to take all possible action against Lord Dalgety to clear up all allegations about the Commission’s missing funds.
The Minister of Finance Hon. Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa told the Commission’s board on Wednesday, October 18, that action against Dalgety should be carried out immediately with “no further delay” according to an email seen by Kaniva News.
“In the minutes there was no reference to further investigation with a view of prosecution because there was allegations (sic) of criminal activities. Paula as Acting CEO should do that for the Board”, another e-mail which listed Hon. Tu’i’onetoa as sender, said.
The Commission’s board members had responded to the minister with an action list which included moving to freeze all future payments to Lord Dalgety
The Electricity Commission’s board resolved to change the organisation’s audit company to the government Department of Audit after an instruction from the Minister of Finance.
The board members also passed a resolution for Auditor General Sefita Tangi to audit the Commission’s financial accounts.
As Kaniva News reported, Lord Dalgety, the Commission’s former CEO, tendered his resignation last week to the Chairman of the Commission Rev. ‘Alifeleti ‘Atiola citing his old age and health conditions.
However, he said he would stay with the Commission until March 31, 2018.
The Commission’s board members appointed Commissioner Paula Tupou as acting CEO of the organisation until December 2017.
Tupou said one of the reasons why the commission took this step was because of “the realisation of the urgency required to recover from the Dalgety disaster.”
Tupou will issue instructions to staff regarding the new management arrangement.
Actions to be taken under the new regime will include freezing all payments to Lord Dalgety; advising Clive Edwards to cancel the previous engagement, training providers and informing the relevant institutions and individuals of Lord Dalgety’s segregation from the EC.
A salary review of staff and Commissioners by either Christine ‘Uta’atu or Pacific Management Consultants is to be completed before end of year.
Tupou will be included as a bank signatory of Electricity Commission accounts.
The continued employment of the commission’s two life time contractors may also depend on the findings of the Auditor.
Action will be taken on the auditor’s report and the salary review.
A replacement PA and other staff will be recruited as required.
A locally held directorship short course will be organised.
The main points
- The government has ordered the Election Commission to take all possible action against Lord Dalgety to clear up all allegations about the Commission’s missing funds.
- Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa told the Commission’s board that action against Dalgety should be carried out immediately.
- The board passed a resolution for Auditor General Sefita Tangi to audit the Commission’s financial accounts.
- Tupou will issue instructions to staff f regarding the new management arrangement.
For more information
Electricity Commission’s interim CEO moves to sack Lord Dalgety
