Unequal distribution of funds a concern

WABAG MP Dr Lino Tom says equal distribution of resources in most provinces and districts was not happening.
Tom told Parliament on Friday that funding should be given to the Works Department plant and transport board (PTB) to build roads.
“One of the guiding principles by our forefathers was equitable distribution of resources,” Tom said.
“Our provinces are contributing to all the money that is being spent here in the capital city.
“Since independence, people are still without access to roads and services.”
Tom said the best way to build such infrastructure was to put funding through PTB.
“My concern is there is no equitable distribution of resources because the same people who have been benefiting before are still continuing to benefit while our people are still waiting for services.
“If we feel that it’s difficult, we should put money aside for the Works Department through the PTB to do the job.
“We are involving private contractors and some of us own construction companies and we are putting so many millions of kina into those companies and they are building small roads.
“While we talk about big things happening like Apec, SP Games – which is good for us as a nation – we should also think about the small people who are living in these rural areas.”
Tom said engaging the Works Department through the PTB will save costs.
“These people are Papua New Guineans and they deserve to have these services just as much as we enjoy all the glamourous projects in these cities, the rural communities need access to basic government services.”