Coronavirus pandemic halts implementation of K64mil tourism funds, says Minister

By REBECCA KUKU
THE Covid-19 has stalled the full implementation of a US$20million (K64.8mil) funding for tourism in Milne Bay and East New Britain, according to Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture Emil Tammur.
Alotau MP Charles Abel had asked him what had happened to the project as Milne Bay was yet to receive the money despite many meetings they had held since 2018.
Tammur said there was already progress in ENB where two projects had started and a good working relationship had been set up.
“We are still working with our people in Alotau, on how it can be distributed to the districts,” he said.
Tammur invited Abel to sit with him in yet another meeting to discuss the way ahead.
He also clarified to Parliament that while other provinces would benefit over time through this World Bank programme, the focus was currently on East New Britain and Milne Bay as they had tourism infrastructure and established service delivery mechanisms on the ground.
“More importantly, they were nominated provinces under the former government’s tourism hub development concept,” Tammur said.
“If we can get some success out of these provinces, we can replicate that in other provinces or the country as a whole.”