APEC Authority CEO calls for honesty

APEC Authority CEO, Christopher Hawkins, has called on services providers for the APEC meetings to be honest and transparent when submitting their claims.

He said it is of paramount importance that service providers must obtain purchase orders before commencing work to ensure they are compliant with financial management processes.

Hawkins made the comments after concerns were raise against the Eastern Highlands Provincial Government by suppliers seeking payment after the recent APEC Regional visits to Goroka.

Hawkins said there were a number of claims that had been sent for review by the provincial authority.

Service providers have been advised to get a signed purchase order before undertaking any work. From there the provincial government then passes the claims to the APEC Authority for vetting.

However, he said there were claims that appear questionable, such as seven hire cars for thirty days each despite the meeting being held in two days. 

Hawkins added that there were claims for office equipment and supplies from different providers that would have gone beyond what could have been required for such a meeting, which the provincial administration is investigating.

Hawkins said the process of engaging goods and service providers for any APEC event is very clear; obtain purchase orders before work can be undertaken.

(EHP Governor Peter Numu welcoming APEC officials to Goroka early last month)

Author: 
Freddy Mou