SHP denies misuse of K2.5m

By YVONNE HAIP
THE Southern Highlands provincial administration has denied allegations that it misused K2.5 million.
A disgruntled public servant from the province, who did not want to be named, told local television station EMTV that K2.5 million had been misused by authorities.
Deputy provincial administrator Dr Bravy Koensong yesterday said from Mendi it was not true.
He said the money had been released to the provincial administration an hour before their accounts were closed on Dec 31.
Keonsong said the money was the administration’s functional grants that had been paid out to all divisions at all levels under the provincial administration.
He said at the time all public servants were on break for the festive season from Dec 23 to Jan 3, except for few officers and those in positions of authority.
Keonsong said the money had already been distributed because if it was not used, it would be sent back to the government as consolidated revenue.
He said such allegations were damaging the provincial administration which was trying its best to steer the province back to stability.
“We have been working around the clock to put the province back on track ever since the province was declared a state of emergency in 2006, but some people are trying to spoil the province.”
Keonsong said the administration had come up with an activity plan that was service delivery oriented and was already implementing it.