Unused funds for East Sepik kept in trust account

UNUSED funds from the 2020 national budget allocated to East Sepik for infrastructure projects are being kept in a trust account, says Works and Implementation Minister Michael Nali.
East Sepik Governor Allan Bird had questioned in Parliament if such unused funds would be put into consolidated revenue when the Government closed its accounts for the year.
Nali said the funds would be used for projects next year.
“All districts and provinces are under the Connect PNG programme. Even smaller roads also play a major role in the Connect PNG programme,” Nali said.
“I know we are all waiting for this projects to be implemented.
“In East Sepik, we have four roads on the list and the Hawain Bridge.
“This (Hawain bridge) has already gone through the process which is long.
“We are now at the stage where the State Solicitor will clear project documents and come to the NEC (National Executive Council).
“The Prime Minister will then advice the governor-general to sign the contract on behalf of the State.
“On other projects, close to K132 million warrants had already been released and the money is safe.
“Works secretary (David Wereh) has spoken with the finance secretary and national planning.
“A trust account has been created and the money is in the trust account.”