The New Ireland Government is now summoning the attention of MPs for Kavieng and Namatanai to contribute to relief efforts for King Tide areas in Kavieng and Namatanai.
Governor Julius Chan stressed the overwhelming funding request of K100, 000 to his office to assist cover relief supplies and disaster assessment work after the destruction caused by the King Tide in January.
This followed a recent meeting between Sir Chan and Provincial Disaster Manager Terrance Tasia.
Sir Chan stressed this was due to the provincial budget cut of K40 million.
“With New Ireland having two seniors Ministers they should be the first point of call when these types of disasters strike.”
“They know very well my government has been stripped off of K40 Million that would help to assist in times like this.”
Sir Chan questioned the former treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey to come clear on where he diverted the K40 Million to?
“I’m surprised that both MP’s whilst receiving huge payments of Lihir royalties and district services improvement Programs (DSIP) Funding have not come well with disaster supplies and coordination.”
“The Provincial executive Council hasn’t witnessed financial reports or budgets from the DDA’s two districts since the K124 million royalty paid in 2021 to two district Development Authorities, where has the money gone?”
“The district planning Chairman and Budget Priorities Committee shall before 30 November in each year submit to the head of the LLG and the governor of the province expenditure for district and LLG administration, this is according to the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local Level Government under section 105A on financial Responsibility.”
“It’s a shame that this has never happened since the two MPs got elected to public office,” said Sir Chan.
Sir Chan now is calling Auditor General’s Officer to allocate professional and credible auditors to carry out audits into the two districts financial books so the people of New Ireland can see where their royalties are going to.
He said with all the royalties the two MP’s have access to, they need to have proper development policies in place to contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of all New Irelanders.
“Right now, there is a big gap, where the wellbeing of youths is concerned.”
“Just look at the lootings that took place recently, the majority that participated were youths.”
“We must address the root cause of these social upheavals if we are going to progress forward.”