Manasseh Sogavare, a four-time prime minister of the Solomon Islands, often reminisces about his humble beginnings as a school dropout who once worked odd jobs cleaning toilets and serving tea to British colonial officials. Despite his modest origins, the 69-year-old leader has come under scrutiny for his rapidly growing real estate wealth, allegedly amassed through large loans and ambitious property developments.
Sogavare, whose annual salary was recently increased to 428,560 Solomon Islands dollars (approximately US$50,000), and his wife, Emmy, have reportedly constructed at least eight new houses on their existing land holdings in and around the capital city of Honiara. These properties, including a lavish multi-story residence in the upscale suburb of Tasahe, are estimated to have cost several million U.S. dollars in construction expenses alone.
The scale of the Manasseh Sogavare’ real estate ventures appears disproportionate to their known earnings, raising questions about the source of their wealth. While the prime minister seeks re-election for a fifth term, anti-corruption advocates are calling for transparency regarding the origins of his financial resources.
One of the focal points of the controversy is the Sogavares’ residence in Tasahe, situated on state land leased by the couple in 2007. Despite remaining vacant for nearly a decade, satellite imagery indicates rapid construction on the property between 2017 and 2019, culminating in the completion of a substantial dwelling. Financial records reveal that the Sogavares were receiving significant rental income from the property by 2020, prompting speculation about the source of funds for its construction.
Similarly, the couple’s other properties in Lungga and Henderson have undergone extensive development, with multiple new homes erected at a remarkable pace. Neighbors and observers have expressed astonishment at the speed and scale of these construction projects, noting that they far surpass typical building endeavors in the Solomon Islands.
The Sogavares’ real estate dealings have previously attracted controversy, notably with the purchase of the Lungga property in 2007 and the Henderson land in 2015. Critics have accused Sogavare of leveraging his political influence for personal gain, citing a SBD 2.5 million mortgage facilitated by a letter of guarantee from the Embassy of Taiwan during his second term as prime minister.
Despite these controversies, the most significant expansion of the Sogavares’ property portfolio has occurred in recent years, coinciding with Sogavare’s return to the prime ministerial office. In 2018, the couple secured substantial mortgages from BRED Bank, raising questions about their ability to service the loans given their official incomes at the time.
While the exact source of funds for the Manasseh Sogavare’s real estate ventures remains unclear, concerns persist regarding the legitimacy of their financial activities. With allegations of preferential treatment by financial institutions and potential conflicts of interest stemming from Sogavare’s political affiliations, calls for accountability and transparency are intensifying.
As the Solomon Islands grapples with political and economic challenges, the revelations surrounding the prime minister’s property holdings underscore the need for greater oversight and accountability in the country’s governance.
