Call to monitor State projects

IT is important for the Government to monitor and evaluate projects it funds, an official says.
Department of National Planning first assistant secretary for projects Samuel Konei recently visited the Hiri Lai road project at the border of Hela and Southern Highlands provinces.
The 36km road was constructed by local company Ipwenz Construction to connect Hela and SHP.
“For the Department of National Planning, it is important to monitor and evaluate the projects we have funded,” he said.
“And I must say I am impressed with the road construction so far. I know the road will greatly benefit those who live along the corridor to have access to education and health services.”
The road provides access to 13 councils with a total population of 50,000 people in the Hiri and Lai Valley area.
Konei said monitoring of projects was critical for the department as it would provide statistics and confirmation of report submitted by the contractor.
“Often we see reports of projects submitted with bogus statistics to conveniently siphon funds yet no tangible developments on the ground.”
It is understood that the monitoring of projects is costly for the department.