Hiri-Koiari MP Keith Iduhu has sharply criticized Prime Minister James Marape for his recent comments about fair resource distribution.
Marape had promised that his government was committed to equitable allocation of development funds, but Iduhu argues that this promise has not been met.
“Quite the contrary to Mr. Marape’s rhetoric, most members of parliament have not received a single toea of the development allocations so far this year,” said Iduhu.
With almost four months left in the year, Iduhu expressed frustration that Hiri-Koiari and other new districts still haven’t received their development and infrastructure budgets.
He added, “It appears that our ‘crime’ of being in the Opposition comes with a punishment of starvation of funds. Although we are managing, it’s disappointing to see our country being ruled in such a barbaric way.”
Iduhu also criticized the redirection of K30 million in PNG LNG Infrastructure Development Grants (IDGs) meant for several provinces to Enga.
“IDGs are crucial for host provinces and districts, and to see them given away at the whim of one man is unacceptable,” he said.
He questioned how other provinces would react if their funds were diverted without notice.
Calling for action, Iduhu urged the Governors of Central, Gulf, Western, and Southern Highlands to challenge these decisions and uphold the integrity of the National Budget 2024.