Government inaction over NCDC Act riles TI

TRANSPARENCY International (PNG) Inc has expressed disappointment that the Government has failed to act to repeal the amendments to the NCDC Act despite the “carefully placed leaks” in the media that it would do so.
“The pathetic excuse given in Parliament by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and Minister for Forest Patrick Pruaitch, that it was a private Member’s bill and therefore the Government could not repeal it, shows complete disdain for the people of PNG,” TI PNG chairman Mike Manning said in a statement.
“The Government of the day had the right to change any bill or law that it saw fit and those two gentlemen knew that perfectly well,” Mr Manning said.
He added that TI PNG was particularly disappointed that the wishes of the people as expressed in the petition presented by the Member for Moresby North West Sir Mekere Morauta were being ignored due to political expediency.
Mr Manning pointed out that Deputy Prime Minister Don Polye had publicly commented on, and tried to halt, the scandalous road contract let by the NCDC using executive powers under the terms of these amendments to the Act.
“Tender procedures were ignored and the cost of K36 million for 1.8km of road had the whole country amazed.
“How much of the Highlands, Magi or Hiritano Highways could be fixed with that much money and which are more important to the people of PNG?” he asked.