MPs accuse each other of lying

Yesterday on the floor of Parliament, the Government and Opposition accused each other of lying following a question relating to the awarding of a road contract.

Works Minister Francis Awesa and Opposition Leader Don Polye, and his Deputy, Sam Basil, exchanged accusations after Lae MP Loujaya Kouza queried the criteria used to award K89 million to the Alotau-East Cape road.

She believes the outstanding roads in Morobe Province, namely the Bulolo-Menyamya and the Bumayong-Unitech and Milford Haven roads, should have been considered instead.

Awesa said the criteria of awarding road funding lies with the World Bank as they are providing the loan.

Basil, however, raised a point of order stating that he spoke to an official from the World Bank who said it was the government who selected the road.

Polye also interjected, calling on Awesa to stop telling lies.

Awesa told both leaders they did not know what they were talking about and they were lying to everyone.

He said the country needs to be grateful for the support shown by international organisations in assisting to develop PNG.

Meanwhile, Awesa said the Government must be acknowledged for turning Lae from a ‘Pot Hole City’ to a ‘Concrete City’ and said there was no discrimination in awarding road contracts.

Kouza raised the issue that the Bulolo-Menyamya Road and the Bumayong-Unitech and Milfordhaven Roads were outstanding national roads that needed attention.

Awesa said the Government will be making arrangements for the remaining roads to be addressed and told Kouza to acknowledge their intervention.

“I want to assure the Member that this is under control and we will be returning to those two remaining sections between now and June next year,” said Awesa.

(File pic of Lae MP Loujaya Kouza)

Author: 
Cedric Patjole