The prime minister has given assurance to parliament that allegations made about abuse of funds from the Connect PNG program will be fully investigated starting with the Department of Works (DOW).
Prime Minister (PM) James Marape when responding to question from Member for Ialibu Pangia Peter O’Neill, said the Finance Department has been called to conduct an independent audit into DOW and anyone found to be involved in corrupt dealings will be dealt with.
“We will get a full look into what is happening, a full inquiry into it.”
The MP for Ialibu Pangia asked the PM to tell the truth about the contract being awarded and whether certain Ministers, MPs and even Marape himself have business links and interests.
The questions where raised from information about payments that were made under the Connect PNG program, which he tabled as well.
Meanwhile, PM Marape said that he has no connection what so ever to the companies mentioned, but did not fully disclosing if other MPs and Ministers have links and interests in the construction companies named.
The PM then stated that the information which O’Neil presented and tabled should also be referred to ICAC or the Ombudsman Commission, the proper authorities to investigate.
Marape later said the Works Minister will present a full statement on the Connect PNG program, which should outline the payments and contracts awarded.