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Parlt told of Mafia-like syndicate in Govt
dept
PARLIAMENT was told yesterday of a
Mafia-like syndicate operating within the Department of Finance and
National Planning and Monitoring.
This follows the blockage of K10 million earmarked for landowner groups
in Southern Highlands.
There were heated exchanges between sidelined governor Hami Yawari and
Mendi MP Michael Nali, who raised the issue on the floor. At one stage,
the exchanges drew clapping from people in the public gallery.
Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare raised concerns about the leaders’
behaviour and leader of Government business Patrick Pruaitch also
interjected saying this was the National Parliament and not a forum for
Southern Highlanders.
Mr Nali in his questions to the Minister for Finance and Planning John
Hickey said that K10 million from the special support grants, money
belonging to the province nearly ended up in the wrong hands.
He said an MP had written to the Secretary for National Planning for the
release of the money which was wrong.
Mr Nali said under the Petroleum Act, the money was supposed to go to
the provincial administration for areas in and near the project site.
Mr Yawari interjected with a point of order challenging Mr Nali to name
the politician whether he was the Member for Nipa Kutubu or Ialibu
Pangia.
This drew the ire of Opposition leader Peter O’Neill who said his
electorate had never benefited from any of the funds from the oil
projects.
“There is a Mafia-like network in the National Planning Office. Three
cheques totalling K10 million was just about to be released when the
department knew that it was wrong to release the cheques. Can the
minister agree that this is corruption?”
Minister Hickey said there was a process in place for funds to be paid
to landowner groups and the K10 million cheque was now being held by the
Treasurer, which would be paid to the provincial administration.
He said there was strict guideline that before any funding is released
all projects should be submitted with the scope of work.
The minister said if there indeed existed a “Mafia network” it would be
exposed and weeded out.
 
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