Pruaitch presents log development export levy acquittal

Aitape-Lumi MP Patrick Pruaitch became the first MP to present his acquittal of log export development levy (LEDL) to PNG Forest Authority managing director Tunou Sabuin.
The acquittal was for LEDL funds the district received in 2015, but due to expenditures rolling over into 2016, the acquittal report also included 2016.
“In compliance with the Public Finance Management Act, I hereby submit the following acquittals for my district’s 2015 LEDL acquittals including the 2016 rollovers,” the report stated.
“As a prerequisite to access future funds, full compliance and acquittals of public funds be submitted to your office, I am proud to present my district’s 2015 LEDL acquittals.”
Sabuin has thanked Pruaitch for handing over his acquittal as he was among few MPs to have acquitted the use of LEDL funds.
In the first quarter of 2017, Sabuin put a stop to the disbursement of LEDL funds as a measure against unprecedented practices in the lead up to the general elections, and also to stressed the importance of acquittal before more LEDL funds could be released.
Over K150 million in LEDL funds have been paid out since 2007 to 2016 with the acquittals totalling K33.5 million.
This included K500,000 from Telefomin, K2 million from Talasea, Abau K1 million, Kandrian/Gloucester K2 million; Usino Bundi K1 million; Kavieng K4,012,853; Telefomin K415,646; Abau K3,345,396; Aitape Lumi K5,581,623; Kandrian Gloucester K10,293,429; and, Talasea K3,364,226.