National parliamentarians waste millions of kina in public funds to purchase heavy equipment machinery, a contractor says.
The contractor who wanted to remain anonymous said road construction equipment purchased by MPs in the last term of Parliament were no longer operating nor were they in the respective districts, but were in private hands.
He said because they had the purchasing power with millions of Kina in the DSIP funds, MPs purchased equipment thinking they could easily fix road infrastructure services in their districts.
“Specialist equipment such as graders, excavators and dozers require specialists. Things work out smoothly and in a timely manner when handled by professionals in the construction field. MPs have no maintenance programs but engage political cronies to operate these equipment. The end result is poor and a waste of people’s money,” the contractor said.
It is understood that road construction equipment purchased by several MPs, especially in a certain highlands province in the last term are no longer in the districts. The whereabouts about these equipment is unknown. Recently another MP in the Highlands purchased a large number of machines.
The contactor said these people have thrown taxpayers money down the drain. MPs did not learn from history and were repeating it. They have serious management issues but because of their buying power, they continue to throw public funds out of the window.
He called on relevant authorities to investigate into the purchase of equipment in the past.
He said if parliamentarians were serious about fixing their road infrastructure services, they should engaged local contractors who could professionally do the work in a timely manner.
“We can do quality work and fast to suit the MP’s needs. At the same time the member will be helping a fellow countryman to grow big and build his capacity. The government keeps on talking about capacity building. How do we build capacity and expand when not given contracts?” he asked.
He said parliamentarians and the government were basically putting families off and killing local firms when they did not engage them.
He said: “They keep on stressing on capacity building and tax. It’s funny when we’re not contracted by the very people who make a lot of noise on these issues.”
Picture: An excavator just like the ones bought by MPs to work in their districts.
Picture by Johnny Poiya