By WALLY HIAMBOHN
FINANCE and Treasury Minister Patrick Pruaitch has hinted more good news for rural Papua New Guinea in the 2008 Budget to be brought down in two weeks.
He said in Aitape, Sandaun province, last weekend that increases could be expected for districts in the 2008 Budget to be handed down on Nov 13.
The Government allocated K356 million to the districts in the 2007 Supplementary Budget two weeks ago giving each of the 89 districts K4 million each, and plans to give more next year.
Mr Pruaitch wasted no time in making sure the K4 million for his Aitape-Lumi electorate was put to good use before additional funding is allocated for next year.
He met with the joint district budget planning and priorities committee to allocate funding to projects in the electorate.
Whilst in Aitape, he was invited to speak at his old school, St Ignatius Secondary School’s graduation.
He also presented vehicles to police and the Raihu and Pes health centres.
He said the presentations and those made in the past were examples of the kind of positive contribution the Government could make to the people, particularly those in the rural districts.
At the graduation ceremony, Mr Pruaitch said: “I have just completed my first major challenge in handing down a Supplementary Budget, which contains good news for the people in the rural electorate because the Government is refocusing on district and rural services development, especially in areas such as health, education and law and justice, agriculture development, including the fight against cocoa pod borer which is affecting our cocoa industry.
“This Supplementary Budget was funded by a budget windfall gained through better export commodity prices and the Government’s good economic management.
“My next big challenge is to hand down the 2008 National Budget. We can look forward to even greater benefits then.
“It is now time for the people to come forward and partner the Government to revive our country. I have good news on Nov 13.
“ I want you all to tune into your radios because that Budget will contain real hope for PNG.
“I am sick and tired of hearing just talk, now we will not sit back, we are going to move because the Government recognises that now is the time to move forward.”