The New Ireland Provincial Government has set its foot down to rid corruption within its administration as it engages private auditors to conduct an internal audit into the provincial books.
According to the statement from the Provincial Government, this is a follow through by Governor Sir Julius Chan who had warned Senior Executive Management over a week ago that anyone found to be misappropriating public funds will be investigated and face the full brunt of the law.
Sir Julius met with auditors Stanley Wasi and Elvis Eumints recently and went over the details of the audit process. He mentioned that both auditors have vast experience, having worked as internal auditors for PNG Power Limited.
“Wasi was previously engaged by the New Ireland Provincial Government back in 2019 where he looked into the Bopire accounts, small development contacts and other expenditures.”
Meanwhile, the New Ireland Provincial Government called for the audit after it was found that some senior officers had been implementing improper directions, tactical public service delays, unauthorized usage of hire cars and fuel, and frequent trips out of Kavieng by senior public servants.