Govt hopes to pay out due funds

THE Government will try to ensure that all 2021 funds and outstanding money for districts and provinces are paid out before the close of accounts on Dec 31, Finance Minister Sir John Pundari says.
Sir John told Parliament yesterday, when questioned by East Sepik Governor Allan Bird, if K47 million in outstanding funds for the province would be released before Dec 31.
Bird said: “I have requested that the K47 million in PIP (public investment programme) and various grants owing to my province are paid to the province before the close of the account.
“I would like an assurance from the minister that these cash payments will be made before close of account.
“I am a little bit concerned because at the end of the year we tend to sweep all the funds together during the close of account and those monies get shifted to other priorities.”
Sir John confirmed Government accounts would close on Dec 31.
“In so far as the provincial grants, PIPs, K47 million outstanding, Finance will work closely with the Department of Treasury as we go towards the close of accounts,” Sir John said. “We will see what we can do to pay out to provinces what we owe them in our appropriations for this year.”
Sir John responded to Northern Governor Gary Juffa about a cyber-audit due to the ransomware attack the Finance Department suffered in October.
“Yes, a cyber-security audit, the National Intelligence Organisation and the Department of Prime Minister are taking carriage and providing leadership to the investigations,” he said.
“I would rather the National Intelligence Organisation get an independent IT organisation to enter into a cyber-security audit into the Department of Finance.
“I did not want my department to take the lead because I want to protect the integrity of my office, the department and the officers.
“We want to keep the investigations independent.
“The National Intelligence Organisation is progressing well and sooner or later, they will be able to recommend or engage an independent investigation into the cyber-attack.”
Sir John said the Integrated Financial Management System upgrade work was progressing with other alternatives also under consideration.
“However, at present, there are alternative arrangements progressing in so for our districts, provinces and our national entities to access funding and to be able to pay for any services that are rendered to them.”