K7m for Wewak road unaccounted for

K7 million of K10 million appropriated for the Wewak Town road is unaccounted for.

This was revealed by Works Minister, Michael Nali, in Parliament today.

He said this when questioned by East Sepik Governor Allan Bird where the funding was and when it could be released.

Governor Bird said the K10 million was approved on November 13th last year and a cheque given to the Works Department.

He said the next day, two contactors had arrived in Wewak to begin work but they stopped, believing it was contrary to finance management act.

Governor Bird said he was surprised to check later that the amount had reduced, forcing him to use internal revenue raised to fix roads.

“When I last checked Mr Speaker, instead of K10 million, the amount had gone down to K6.2 million.

“I am afraid that while we are waiting, and it’s now five months, that money will decrease until there is no more money to fix the Wewak town roads.”

Governor Bird also said he wants to use some of the money to assist in funding roads in Maprik and Angoram as well, given their deteriorating states.

“If you don’t trust the Provincial Government of East Sepik, and think we might steal the money, then send the Secretary for Works and his staff to fix our roads.”

Minister Nali however said the figure could be lower.

“Out of that K10 million, you said there’s K6 million… I think there’s K3 million. 

“I will find out where that K3 million is and I think I know where it is.

“We will assist you to address that particular road and other roads in Wewak.”

Maprik MP John Simon however queried where the rest of the money was.

“Can the Minister tell this house what happened to the K10 million. He said he knows where the K3 million is. Can he inform this house where that K7 million is?

“Can you tell us or not whether we have money,” continued Simon.

“You said you are still looking for money. One quarter of the year is gone. Be honest whether this country has money or not,” Simon said.

Nali said he will instruct the Department to furnish a report on the funding and will present it to them.

Author: 
Cedric Patjole