Bail for officials accused of dipping into Manam’s K6mil

The National Main Stories

TWO Government officials charged with misappropriation of K6million Manam Restoration Authority funds were granted bail by Justice Dr Virgil Narakobi in the Madang National Court on Wednesday.
National fraud and anti-corruption directorate director Det Chief Supt Matthew Damaru confirmed that Joseph Kunda, 51, from Bononi village, Madang, and Paul Amera, 51, from Ukarumpa in Eastern Highlands paid K2,000 each for their bail.
“Both men will be turning up at the National Court’s assistant registrar’s office every Monday to report in while investigations continue,” Chief Supt Damaru said.
“They have been charged with abuse of office and misappropriation of K6 million.
“It is alleged that the money was unlawfully diverted from the Manam Resettlement Authority to Ramu Development Foundation Ltd.”
Chief Supt Damaru said investigations revealed that in 2017, the Government appropriated K20 million under its public investment programme and the funds were managed by the Madang government on behalf of the Manam Restoration Authority.
“It is alleged that the money was misappropriated by paying purported reimbursement claims for services provided during the Manam disaster operations.
“These claims were found to be bogus claims and fraudulent,” he said.
Chief Supt Damaru said Kunda was the Madang acting administrator and Amera was the finance manager when they were arrested and charged.
He said the matter was being investigated by fraud investigators from Kokopo, East New Britain, and Lae, Morobe.
Chief Supt Damaru said more arrests were expected to be made soon in relation to the matter.

7 comments

  • No wonder Manam Islanders were suffering all these years at the resettlement area. Thank you Chief Supt Damaru for investigating this case, which was long overdue. All these culprits need to be investigated and put behind bars.

  • At the hands of this low bodied with out spinal cords made the People of Manam suffer. These spineless public servants must pay for their sins including repaying what they have stolen from the people.

  • Theft of public money is becoming prevalent.
    Punishment must be extended to immediate family members of crooks which may include bans on owning business, properties or even bank accounts.
    Ol mas tingting gut na stil.
    Ol pikinini blong ol bai kisim taim tu

  • It’s becoming a norm in our public sector. Those in responsible positions think they can do such corrupt practice and get away with public money. Thank you to the investigation team.Holim ol na salim ol igo lon kalabus.

  • What a shame, East New Britain got the same money and advance with its planning and relocation programme years back and its people are living happily while our Manam people are still struggling. God has its own way to punish people. Sad indeed.

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