The Minister for Works and Highway, Solan Mirisim has been questioned about the Roads in Ijivitari District and Eastern Highland Province by Member for Ijivitari and Member for Kainantu on their funding to construct and fix up the roads in the district and province.
Member for Ijivitari David Arore raised two questions, which are when will the Ministry of Works and Highway release the funding for the roads in his district and who will compensate the landowners that will be affected by the construction of the road that will go through their lands, gardens or houses.
Mr. Arore stated that in the budget report, there is K10 million allocated for this road in his district.
Minister for Works and Highway Solan Mirisim responded stating that from his budget report, he is aware that there is K4 million in the Trust Account for the road and not K10 million.
Minister Mirisim said he has asked the good member for Ijivitari to get the funds and start the construction of the roads but he didn’t make the attempt.
“By Law the district will be responsible for compensation to landowners as it does not come under the government.
For the landowners issues, it will be the responsibility for the district and not the government,” the Minister said.
The Member for Kainantu, William Hagahuno also asked the same question stating that the Eastern Highlands highway is a very important road link that serves five different districts and it is a must the funds allocated must be released so the Highway can be upgraded to serve everyone using that highway.
Minister Mirisim agreed with the member for Kainantu, stating that the Eastern Highland Highway is a economic link and he will ensure the funding is released for the upgrade of the highway.
Parliament is still in session since Tuesday.