Minister clears air on loan

The Tourism Promotion Authority will be the sole implementing agency for the US$20 million (K64m) World Bank loan for the tourism hub developments in both Milne Bay and East New Britain provinces.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Emil Tammur, says none of the funds will be kept or managed in the two provinces.

Minister Tammur stated this to clarify misunderstanding following comments in the mainstream and social media about the US$20 million loan.

“The Tourism Promotion Authority will be the project implementing agency for the PNG Government, working in close consultation with a World Bank project monitoring team,” said Minister Tammur.

TPA will provide funds directly to the service providers and contractors as approved by the TPA Board and sanctioned by the World Bank, following close consultation with provincial working committees in both East New Britain and Milne Bay.

Minister Tammur said TPA will provide on a regular basis progressive reports to the TPA Board for him to report to the National Executive Council.

He also clarified that the funding was for the whole of the two provinces and not just for Alotau or Kokopo townships.

(Minister Emil Tammur)

Author: 
Carolyn Ure