Kua queries duplication

By REBECCA KUKU
THE Opposition has questioned the duplication of work carried out by two Cabinet ministers over the fuel shortage crisis, as only the Energy Minister is required under emergency powers to deal with it.
Kerenga Kua, the Shadow Minister for Petroleum said Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso and Energy Minister Jimmy Maladina had been assigned to deal with the fuel issue.
Kua said Maladina needed to be leading the effort since it was an energy emergency.
He cited Section 6 (2) and Section 136 (1) of the National Energy Authority Act 2021 which gave the minister powers to declare an emergency under the Essential Services Act 2002, and exercise the powers granted to him under this Act and the Essential Services Act 2002 in relation to electricity and energy services.
“By law, this means the Minister for Energy should be in charge of the emergency and not duplicating functions for the Deputy Prime Minister,” Kua said.
Prime Minister James Marape appointed Rosso team leader of ministers addressing the fuel crisis. “It is unclear why the Government is duplicating work responsibilities and giving the DPM one role and giving another to Minister Maladina,” Kua said.
“Rosso is fast becoming overwhelmed and overworked with tasks and responsibilities. When I last checked, not only is he the Deputy PM, but he is also responsible for Lands and Physical Planning, Immigration and Citizenship, chairman of the Inflation Taskforce, Lae city, and now the fuel crisis.
“What is clear though is the Government’s reactionary handling of our country’s affairs, which continues to instigate grand proclamations that lose traction weeks after they are announced.”