Leaders challenge govt on budget

STRONG measures should be implemented by the government to cut out the “middle man” approach for development funds earmarked in the 2013 Budget, a ward councillor from Morobe says.
Sialum ward three councillor Teddy Moses said this budget was on the right course as it was for the rural areas where development was needed.
He said strong measures should be taken to cut down on corrupt practices by those who diverted funds meant for
projects.
“The O’Neill government must stick to its word and make sure that this is achieved so that the budget is implemented,” Moses said.
Jacob Yalu, a community leader from the Yus local level government area in Kabwum, said people’s expectations now were for bridges, roads, aid-posts and schools to be built by 2017.
“Otherwise it’s just talk, the real challenge is for this government to make it happen and one area is to cut down on the middle-man culture in service delivery,” he said.
Peter Yakising, a community elder from Leron plains, in Markham district, challenged the government to implement the budget properly.
He said if it is not implemented properly than it is just another paper with numbers on it.
They suggested government officers visit every local level government to take stock of their areas of need.