Allocation of funds a matter of timing for Abel

DEPUTY Prime Minister and Treasurer Charles Abel says the allocation of funds is related to timing issues.
Replying to a question from Marpik MP John Simon in Parliament on Friday, he said it would have been ideal to provide all the budgeted funding at the beginning of each financial year.
“It would be wonderful if we could provide 100 per cent of the appropriations including the district service improvement programme funding at the beginning of the year so that we can plan our work and we have resources to get on with our work,” he said.
He said revenue was not received at any one time during the year which affected distribution and appropriations.
“We are doing the best to meet those appropriations and it comes down to priority as well. These issues have been raised by Speaker Job Pomat,” he said.
“We understand the importance of getting money to Parliament so that he can conduct his business and wages are paid on time.
“If we can have a bit more money earlier, we can give those appropriations faster.”
He said the agriculture commercialisation fund of K100 million allocated in this year’s budget would not be used for any other purpose.
“We don’t want it to be used like in former national agriculture development plans. We are trying to make sure that the money is applied to some strategic projects like the Sepik Plains.”