THE general manager of Too Good Construction Limited (TGCL), Momei Lambea has released a statement clarifying allegations made against the company pertaining to the award and signing of the Aiyura National High school to the Habina Junction Road sealing contract in Obura-Wonenara District in Eastern Highlands Province.
According to Lambea, to avoid any potential conflict of interest during the National Executive Council (NEC) discussions, concerning this contract, Minister Feo declared his interest and excused himself from the proceeding.
“We would like to clarify that TGCL has no involvement in any projects within the district of ministry where minister Feo holds responsibilities.
“This phase was taken to uphold transparency and ethical business practices,” Lambea said.
He said, Minister Feo was a former shareholder and director to TGCL and no longer holds any interest or position in the company.
Mr. Lambea further clarified that TGCL is a separate legal entity, distinct and independent from individuals including Minster Feo.
“TGCL is liable to sue or be sued in its own names, ensuring that all operation and decisions are conducted in compliance with the legal and regulatory framework.”
Mr. Lambea said the contract was approved by the governor general after thoroughly going through several stages, inclusive of reviews carried out by the department of works, the national procurement commission, state solicitor and the NEC.
He added that TGCL has been operating for over a decade and has delivered numerous contracts.
“The company has a proven track record of completing high quality projects and our capability were the key factors of being awarded this contract,” said Lambea.
Minister for Works and Highways, Hon. Solan Mirisim shared similar sentiments, stating that the contract was awarded in full compliance with the National Procurement procedures.
“There was no conflict of interest in the awarding of the contract to TGCL as stated by social media bandits.
Mirisim explained that, the tender of the road project went through 14 procedures before being approved by NEC.
He said TGCL is a reputable nationally owned company with a proven track record and capacity to deliver major infrastructures projects.
“The contractor met all technical, financial and compliance requirements during the evaluation process,” Minister Mirisim said.
He said this is also in line with the broader government’s vision to support local nationally owned companies to participate in economic development.
Furthermore, Minister Mirisim highlighted that it is important to emphasize that any member of the parliament is legally allowed to own and operate a business, so long as they declare their interest with the ombudsman commission and ensure there is no conflict of interest.
He added that NEC has a voting system process where cabinet ministers vote to go against or for the matter being discussed and the same voting process was followed in which the minister for high education, research, science and technology abstain himself from participating in the subject matter.
“In this case, Minister Feo declared his interest in accordance with the requirements and recused himself from the NEC meeting where the contract decision was made.
“He had no influence over the outcome and the cabinet ministers present at that time of the NEC meeting voted on their own accord.”
Mirisim said the NEC, as an independent and highest movement decision making body, awarded the contract after thoroughly reviewing the recommendation from the NPC and all prior approvals.
The Minister urged the public to seek verified information and not be misled by the unsubstantiated claims.
“Believing in social media bandits will not solve your problems,” Minister Mirisim said.
He said the government remains fully committee to accountability, transparency and the empowerment of national contractors to deliver key infrastructure projects like connect PNG that benefit the people of Papua New Guinea.