Officers accused of project blockages

PRIME Minister Sir Michael Somare admitted yesterday that departmental heads often held back impact projects that politicians planned to execute.
Sir Michael made the remark in response to a question from the Member for Mul-Baiyer Kuri Kingal if the Housing Minister and managing director had differences or were working together.
Sir Michael agreed the minister and the MD for the NHC had drifted apart and taken matters to court to resolve.
But he added that the matter was now settled.
Sir Michael said there were many cases where politicians wanted to work with departmental heads to implement projects but came across barriers.
“Many times politicians wanted work to begin on projects but the administration halted the process,” he said.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Sir Peter Barter said he was frustrated and concerned with the long process of project implementation in PNG.
Sir Peter made the comment in reference to a question from the Member for Tari-Pori Tom Tomiape who asked who was the implementing agency responsible of the Tari hospital project and whether the doctor’s house could be upgraded to attract a permanent doctor there.
Sir Peter said there was no reason why doctors cannot move to Tari.
He said the houses for doctors were in good condition although they needed furniture.

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