No implementation in Jiwaka despite funds

 WE request that the Task Force Sweep (TFS) carry out an investigation of Jiwaka’s books to ascertain where all the money given as capital seed funding by the government for the new province, as well as DSIP funds for the three electorates over the past five years, have gone. 

This year is the  year of implementation and each province and district received grants to improve transport infrastructure, health, education, water supply and sanitation, law and justice programmes, rural electrification and communication, district housing and office complexes, etc. 

The year is nearly ending, so where are the funds?

It is very sad that the new province is becoming stagnant. Is it because systemic corruption is getting deeply rooted, eating up millions of kina that belong to the people of Jiwaka? 

Where are the millions of development grants given by the Somare government. Have they been squandered by irresponsible officials? Have they been spent on hire cars, hotel accommodation in Port Moresby and special allowances? 

What jobs have been done that needed public funds amounting to millions of kina to be spent? 

Governor William Tongamp and his administration are facing a court challenge but that should not be used as an excuse to delay delivery of services.

Tongamp has announced some good initiatives and plans, but there is nil implementation. 

The new province does not have an administration in place. 

Several positions have been advertised, but have not been filled. 

People do not need this administration blunder. They want to see projects rolling out and development getting off the ground. 

The Sweep team must check the books of the three districts of North Waghi, Anglimp South Waghi and Jimi. 

The DSIP funds for the electorate appear to have been written out to individuals just before and during the election period in 2012. 

I have done some research on the DSIP funds for Jiwaka and discovered that many millions of kina have been written out to individuals. 

The research I have done shows there has probably been a serious breach of the Public Finance Management Act, the only Act that regulates public funds. 

There appear to be no no project submissions to the Office of Rural Development and the National Planning and Monitoring  Department for endorsement or verification to ensure that proposed projects comply with guidelines for drawdowns. 

However, MPs and cronies were under elections pressure. In just one year,  hundreds of cheques have been written out to individuals. 

The checking of accounts aside, I urge the three MPs, Komun Joe Koim,  Mai Dop and Fabian Pok, to work with Tongamp to bring major impact projects that will benefit the people and province for many years to come. 

Stanley Nondol

Port Moresby