Abel: Vision is priority

 By FIDELIS SUKINA

FUNDING for plans and implementation of national plans like Vision 2050 is a priority for the government, Planning Minister Charles Abel says.

Speaking at the launching of the five-year development plan for Abau district last Thursday at Kupiano, he said money was not going to be given without any proper plans in place.

“We have the Vision 2050 and the strategic development plans and down to the district level we have the five-year plans,” Abel said.

“We cannot give out money unless there are proper plans.”

 “Under the Alotau Accord, we looked at making plans that are correct and are in line with PNG’s strengths and weaknesses.”

Abel said leaders and people at the local level knew their needs and had elected their leaders.

“We, at the local level, are closer to our needs and must recognise and align them with the national goals because the government will provide resources for these plans.” 

 Abel said the government was all about resourcing and building capacity at the local level to accomplish five-year plans.

“At the end of the day the government is a government of action and will not only resource and capacitate for funding  but adjust the laws to make public servants deliver the money and be  answerable  to misuse.”