Opposition’s DSIP funds allegedly used as salaries

Don Polye is furious after he received information about the Opposition Members’ District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) funds allegedly being used to pay public servants’ salaries.

Their funds have allegedly been withdrawn into the consolidated revenue to pay salaries. And Polye has warned legal action of the alleged instruction from Peter O’Neill.

“I would like to call on the Prime Minister, the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Treasury and the Minister for National Planning to become sane. I think they are insane,” said Polye.

He further said: “I also warn them that I will take them to court individually to criminally charge them for misappropriating, for breaching the Public Finance Management Act and other Laws that govern the use of public funds,” said Polye.

In a media conference today, the Opposition said the Government’s mismanagement of the country’s economy and cash flow problem has forced them to breach the Public Finance Management Act as well as the Constitution by withdrawing the DSIP funds from Opposition members.

Polye says they have received credible information that Prime Minister Peter O’Neill made the instruction.

He said this is a serious breach of the law as appropriations made under the national Budget cannot be used for other purposes unless endorsed by Parliament.

“I have evidence before me from Treasury, Finance and Planning, that the balance of the District Services Improvement Program and other development programs designed in the 2016 Budget for rural Papua New Guinea have been directed by the Prime Minister to be withdrawn and be made available to pay the salaries of public servants,” said Polye.

Polye says this is discrimination against Papua New Guineans who deserve to be served by the funds.

He said he has tried confirming the instruction with Finance Secretary, Dr Ken Ngangan however, has not received a response yet.

Polye has also sent instruction to his District Development Authority to confirm with the banks if funds have been remitted to Waigani.

Deputy Opposition Leader, Sam Basil, said it was unfair and unconstitutional.

He said the Opposition was footing the bill for the public service payroll while members of the Government received all DSIP funds.

Author: 
Cedric Patjole