By Staff Reporter

PNG Marape Exposes Opposition’s Service Delivery Failures Amid Funding Debate

25/11/2024

PNG Prime Minister James Marape has refuted accusations from the Opposition that the Government is withholding funds from districts and provinces led by Opposition MPs. In a statement issued on Thursday, Marape emphasized that funding for all districts and provinces, regardless of political affiliation, is allocated equitably.

Marape announced that once the Finance Department finalizes funding records, he will make the District Services Improvement Programme (DSIP) and Provincial Services Improvement Programme (PSIP) funds public to ensure transparency. He criticized Opposition MPs for allegedly spreading "misinformation" through the media to gain political advantage.

He claimed that these MPs were deflecting from their own shortcomings in service delivery. “This Government does not use the budget as a weapon against MPs. Since 2019, we have ensured fair distribution of funds to all districts and provinces,” Marape stated. He highlighted the Government’s commitment to supporting provinces through functional grants and funding for provincial health authorities.

Marape expressed disappointment at Opposition members for using social media to criticize the Government over minor funding delays while failing to acknowledge funds already disbursed. “When these funds are delayed slightly, they make public outcries but rarely acknowledge the Government when funding is received,” he said.

He also underscored that his administration has transferred significant funds to districts and provinces since 2019. However, he pointed out that the lack of visible development in some areas reflects a failure in accountability by local leaders. “For the amount of money a district receives, there should be an equal amount of development on the ground,” Marape stated.

To enhance public scrutiny, Marape pledged to release detailed records of funds allocated to all MPs, including those in the Opposition, next week. He said the data would provide clarity and counter claims of discrimination in funding distribution.

Marape cited Milne Bay Governor Gordon Wesley’s case as an example of equitable treatment, noting that his Government honored a request for outstanding funds from the province’s oil palm shares despite Wesley’s political stance.

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