K13b 2013 Budget passed

THE K13 billion 2013 Budget was passed in parliament yesterday by voice after opposition spokesman Joseph Lelang responded to it.
Now the government can implement its policies in line with its money plan in the New
Year.
The budget even received the support of the opposition led by Belden Namah, who said he was happy with it as it focused on the rural majority.
Other notable leaders who expressed their support during debate were Enga Governor Peter Ipatas, Goroka MP Bire Kimisopa, Health Minister Michael Malabag and the Deputy Prime Minister Leo Dion.
Ipatas said after 15 years as provincial governor, this was the first time he had observed an increase in Enga’s
provincial allocation.
He described the 2013 Budget as an historic budget for the country after 37 years.
Kimisopa said the budget was a “game change” budget and thanked the government on behalf of the people of Goroka.
He called for a budget integrity bill to be passed by parliament so leaders were
held accountable for the delivery of services.
Dion described the budget as a people’s budget and a windfall for lower levels of governments (see separate story).
Malabag described it as the best budget for the mothers and poor citizens of this country because so much funding had been given to the health sector to address health issues.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill commended the treasurer and his team for the effort in framing the budget.
“This is a new way of conducting a budget. It is a beginning of a long-term focus because no government can achieve within 12 months.
“This is a massive increase of about 87% for the districts and provinces,” O’Neill said.
“The onus is on leaders to manage the funds in a prudent and accountable manner.”