PNG must stop operating on a deficit

THE world has evolved into an era of technology paving the way for new inventions in all aspects of life with the belief that we will make a just and a more habitable society with strong economy.
And for Papua New Guinea, we are just there for the ride, with someone else at the helm.
PNG has been grappling with the issue of violence, poverty and underdevelopment for decades.
In trying to recuperate these issues, we have created a toxic environment for the economy to survive and as a result plummeting living standards and sky rocketing debts.
And all for what?
A country stuck under colossal amount of debts, ravaged by poverty and unemployment with few pot bellies diverting public funds to cronies from the fruits of this rich nation is frightening?
The 2022 expenditure budget is K22 billion which is K5 billion short of what the country will earn.
This K5 billion deficit will be covered by borrowing, bringing the country’s debt to more than K52 billion.
The Government is saying that this a sustainable budget opening the path to which by 2027, the country will operate without deficit.
This is funny since they rely on LNG returns and their so-called “tax measures” approach by averting the idea on taxing Digicel and BSP.
If they cannot stand by their words, then this sustainable budget is false alarm.
I hope we come to our senses and be truthful to our citizensand make tangible and some tough decisions and stop operating on a deficit so we at least stop the debt level from rising and operate honestly without corrupting the system.
PNG is still a long way from achieving a just and fair society with strong economy.

Ezron U
Lae