The K211, 367, 700 million New Ireland Provincial Government budget for 2023 was finally approved recently, but comes with several conditions.
This conditions are the full acquittal of over K400million in Lihir royalties and completion of a provincial plan synchronized with the national governments medium term development plan.
According to the Treasurer Mr. Ian Ling Stuckey, the Provincial Budget was once again delayed due to the constant absence of the governor, which can be attributed to his health and also the failure to adhere to IFMS requirements, imposed by both the Departments of Treasury and Finance.
“Other provincial governments complied with these technical requirements accept for New Ireland. Sometimes the New Ireland Provincial Government is its own worst enemy.”
Because of the large amount of money budgeted, the NIPG is now being urged by the Treasurer to pay its creditors on time.
A number of businesses have already complained of not being paid since 2022.
The Treasurer has advised the governor to refrain from announcing huge projects, whether road or other infrastructure when it has either failed to budget these items, budget for projects outside the allocated budget, then claiming they have no money.