Not a good practice

The National Letters

I WRITE to share my view on public money and resources not reaching the affected people during the time of natural disasters.
It is also not a good practice for the leaders from the affected areas to come out on media screaming and calling on the police minister to investigate and crying foul for misuse of funds by authorities in charge.
By hearth people donate and this aid should transparently reach the affected victims.
Government need to take a closer look and inclusively involve mandated bodies such as the Auditor-General’s Office (AGO) as part of the established organisational structure so they can carry out their mandated role to ensure every money and public resources donated by our government, international communities, local communities, NGOs and charity groups must be monitored and audited on the same spot after spending.
We cannot leave the gap open for some time to wait for report submission by either the national disaster committee, provincial or LLGs.
We understand that the primary client and stakeholder for the AGO is the parliament.
AGO effectiveness and timely services to the Parliament, the people of Papua New Guinea can have confidence that they are reporting on whether public funds are being spent economically, efficiently and effectively.
The AGO must be part the structure that comprised of:

  • National Executive Council (NEC);
  • Minister;
  • National disaster committee (NDC);
  • Provincial disaster committee (PDC);
  • District disaster committee (DDC); and,
  • Local level government disaster committee

AGO should be included and given additional task and tooth to closely monitor public resources during such critical times. It is compulsory for such mandated bodies to be part of the national disaster management organisational structure to ensure someone is watching the use of public funds.
Their presence will give public confidence and people with corrupt intentions will have fear not to misuse this donations and relief funding.
The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is an organisation established by an Act of parliament- the Disaster Management Act Chapter 403 of 1987 responsible for managing natural and human made disasters in Papua New Guinea.
This important organisation is under the Ministry of Provincial and Local Government Affairs is the responsible government ministry directly responsible for disaster management in PNG.
Inclusion of Auditor-General’s Office will reflect the AGO mandate, Parliament, government and public.

Hanam Bill Sandu
LAE