Probe Kopiago funds, says councillor

THE deputy president of the Lake Kopiago LLG in the Hela region, Southern Highlands, is calling for an immediate investigation into the affairs of the Koroba-Kopiago electorate.
Cr James Mone from Hagini ward said yesterday millions of kina had been given but there was hardly any physical developments to show for it.
Mone called on the Office of Rural Development, National Planning Department and Law and Justice Sector secretariat to send officers to the district to verify his claim and interview the people.
He said the Law and Justice Sector gave K3 million for the setting up of Kopiago rural police in 2009 but there was still no police post established or a single policeman based there.
He said National Planning had given K2.2 million for rural markets in Koroba and Kopiago in 2009 but no markets had been built.
Mone said the 32 schools in the district were waiting for the distribution of K7 million given in 2009 under the rehabilitation education institution sector.
He said the people had the right to know where the funds were.
He said the burning down of the new district treasury building last Sunday must not be given as an excuse for not compiling the reports on time and sending them to the authorities concerned.
Mone said a proper investigation must be carried out in the district on the use of public funds.
Mone said it was not a personal attack on the district administration and local MP John Kekno, but he was concerned about money given for projects not being used where they have been.