Governor Numu sets ‘bogus claims’ on fire

EFFORTS to solicit money from the Eastern Highlands government went up in smoke on Friday as Governor Peter Numu burnt pending claims and proposals in Goroka on Friday.
He claimed they were bogus claims and project proposals made up to milk the provincial government.
“My government will not entertain bogus claims and proposals, this practice has consumed money earmarked for bringing vital services in the provision of health, education, improved transport infrastructures and economic activities to the rural population,” the governor said.
He said the same people were running in and out of the government offices with papers, in most cases they colluded with public servants to defraud the provincial government and people.
“Small people needing services back in rural areas of the eight districts have suffered enough. If you want to take me to court for not receiving your claims, take me to court and we will battle it out,” Numu said.
However, he said they would take on board the company profiles of those who were providing services because their claims would be genuine.
Numu asked women, who were at the scene in front of the Yanepa provincial administration building if they knew how to write proposals and the general reply was, “no.”
“And who are these people writing proposals and had access to the money all these years?”