Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s official trips to attend meetings overseas have raised serious concern with the Opposition.
Shadow Attorney General, Kerenga Kua, expressed indignation that the PM continues to travel the world while education, health care and other services in the country have collapsed due to irresponsible government spending.
“The Prime Minister should return home and take a hard look at the sufferings of our people and tighten the government belt on wanton spending,” Kua said.
He claimed that the government’s free education policy is not working and schools in many provinces are struggling to remain open while senior government officials give contradictory excuses for why funds are not reaching the schools
Kua further claimed that teachers are also facing delays in their fortnightly salaries and many rural aid posts and urban clinics have closed their doors because there are no funds to buy medical supplies and drugs.
“Given this scenario there would be little room for school improvements across the country such as the provision of student desks, tables, text books or libraries,” Kua stated.
“So while the Prime Minister flies around the world rubbing shoulders with world leaders, many rural aid posts and urban clinics have closed their doors because there are no funds to buy medical supplies and drugs.”
A senior health official recently admitted that the country’s premier hospital, Port Moresby General Hospital, is short on drugs and basic medical items.
The Shadow Attorney General said it is an appalling testimony for any government.
He is calling on the Prime Minister and his government ministers to stop these “unnecessary and extravagant travels” and return to the stark realities of a shrinking economy, less job opportunities and an increasing number of people living in poverty.