A MAN on Vanuabalavu, in Lau, was not supposed to have received assistance amounting to over $11,000 for the supply of a tyre repairing machine and related items because it had nothing to do with the farming assistance scheme, it has been revealed.

The High Court yesterday heard this during the caution interview of former agriculture ministry permanent secretary Peniasi Kunatuba revealed.

The interview was read out in court by the second investigating officer Inspector Raj Kumar, who asked Mr Kunatuba if he knew of a Soko Lave of Lomaloma, Vanuabalavu, Lau.

Mr Kunatuba said he did not.

He said the application had been approved by the then principal accounting officer of the ministry, Suliasi Sorovakatini.

Mr Kunatuba said the transaction made no economic sense and no person should have been allowed so much money.

Meanwhile, the interview revealed three recipients gave addresses on their request letters as that of the ministry.

IP Kumar questioned Mr Kunatuba if they were ministry staff and whether they qualified for assistance.

Mr Kunatuba replied it would not have been for themselves, but for their families and villages.

He said one of them indicated the assistance was for his village community on Kadavu.

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