The PNG Forest Authority (PNGFA) is currently auditing how Log Export Development Levies have been used by respective District Development Authority’s.
Acting Managing Dircteor, Tunou Sabuin, said over the last five years K133 million had been paid directly to DDA’s. Last year alone, K29 million in Log Export Development Levy was paid.
Speaking at the 2017 Leadership Summit in Port Moresby, Sabuin said so far only five DDA’s have provided acquittals.
“We’re currently embarking on auditing how best we have used this money and soon we will find out some service agreement with the respective DDA’s because NEC has made a new arrangement with Log Export Development Levies to be paid directly to Districts, as a co-funding of DSIP and PSIP,” he said.
“So something that PNG NFA will now look into is to come up with a new arrangement with the DDA’s so that this moniess we pay into the district, we can be rest assured that this money is put into good use, and not into our pockets.”
Sabuin believes the Log Export Development Levies can go a long way in maximizing participation of landowners through sustainable economic projects at the rural setting.
This will reduce dependence on Government and handouts from PSIPs and DSIP’s.
“We must create sustainable economic development projects at the district so that people can be able to sustain themselves in the long run,” he said.