MPs called to acquit funds received via log export levy

By HELEN TARAWA
Forestry Minister Douglas Tomuriesa has called on all MPs to acquit funds they received through the log export development levy (LEDL) for their districts.
Tomuriesa, who received the K2 million acquittal report from Wewak MP Kevin Isifu yesterday, said MPs should make it their duty to ensure LEDL funds were acquitted.
“It is our duty, as leaders, to make certain that those funds are acquitted in order for us to get more funds,” he said.
“LEDL funds are for the districts and the provinces.
“The guidelines are very explicit and clearly stipulate that.
“In the past, we found out that LEDL funds were given to companies that did not acquit and there were so many problems.”
Tomuriesa said under the new guidelines, funds were given directly to MPs through their district development authorities (DDAs).
He said it was important that DDAs captured the LEDL in their budget under development projects.
Tomuriesa said they could then talk to the PNG Forestry Authority to release the funds.
He thanked Prime Minister Peter O’Neill for his directive to put in place guidelines to protect the LEDL funds.
Under the new guidelines, funds are directed to specific areas impacted by logging.
“It is important that we go back and deliver projects in those areas such as infrastructure to deliver services to the people,” Tomuriesa said.
He said Pomio in East New Britain was a perfect example of developments taking place using LEDL funds of K7 million, which were all acquitted by the MP.
Tomuriesa said Telefomin was another good example of a district using LEDL funds properly.