The Office of Rural Development (ORD) has thanked former Moresby Northwest MP, Michael Malabag’s officers, for returning the district’s vehicle to Sir Mekere Morauta.
Acting Secretary for Implementation and Rural Development, Aihi Vaki commended Malabag’s electoral officer, Angus Ali, for returning the electoral vehicle to Sir Mekere’s electoral officer, Pedro Oroa today.
Ali, when handing over the keys, called on Sir Mekere to continue and complete impact community projects initiated by Malabag.
“There are a number of good health, education as well as other community projects that should continue to be funded for the benefit of people” he said.
Meantime, Oroa had assured that all projects would be prioritised and funded on own merits and delivered for the good and well-being of the majority.
Commending the voluntary hand-over of the vehicle, Vaki said it demonstrated good sense of maturity and accountability, in dealing with public assets.
He noted that the fine example set by Northwest electorate should be followed by other electorates PNG-wide, to avoid unnecessary inconvenience in service delivery and misuse of public taxpayer funded assets.
Vaki also urged new incoming MPs and their staff, not to embark on “witch-hunting” of the use of DSIP funds by former MPs.
“We discourage MPs going on witch-hunting. Good projects initiated by outgoing members should be continued and completed, so the people can benefit.
“We also need to know more about assets purchased under DSIP funds, as well as funds committed for health, education, law and order, infrastructure and economic activities.
“In most cases we’re only advised of financial reports, but not on assets such as vehicles that were purchased by public funds,” Vaki stressed.