Interim Minister for Provincial Development, Multi Ethnic Affairs and Indigenous Affairs Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has told Commissioners, Provincial Administrators and District Officers to minimise the official abuse of office and misuse of government resources.

Nailatikau made the comment while opening the 2008 performance assessment and 2009 preparation workshop in parliament this morning.

Ratu Epeli said his permanent secretary had advised him that the ministry has a number of disciplinary cases mainly attributed to official abuse and the lack of understanding, observing and always following administrative and financial procedures.

He told senior officers to properly assess, appraise, evaluate and prioritised development to match the funding capacities of government this year.

He said this year alone the ministry expects to disburse close to $12 million in development funds and stressed that it is important for senior officers to oversee the fair and equitable distribution of development funds so that all communities enjoy the benefits of growth on a level playing field.