THE districts without political representation, especially those dismissed and those still before the courts, can have access to the district funds for the independence celebration unless the District Development Authority convenes a meeting to appoint an acting chairman.
Minister for Finance Thomas Opa when asked if he had issued any financial instruction to direct the districts that have been dismissed by the courts and a vacancy is created.
“Unless their DDA convenes a meeting to appoint an acting chairman from the current board, they cannot access the funds. That’s the lawful and legal process to follow in order to have access to funds in DDA accounts. I have no powers to authorise release of funds in districts that are going to EP matters,” he said.
Mr Opa said in response to concerns raised by the people of Kundiawa Gembolg district in the Chimbu Province whether they will have access to fund to join the rest of the country to celebrate the 50th Jubilee anniversary of this nation or not.
The people said they are concerned if they will be able to celebrate like other district and provinces as the election petition court battle between the disqualified MP Muguwa Dilu and William Onglo continues, without a political head to chair the DDA meeting to access the funds for the celebrations.
The district had no MP and chairman of the DDA for the past 15 months, after the incumbent was dismissed by the court.
District administrator Alphonse Kawage remains hopeful in ensuring that the people of four LLG must partake in this historic occasion to celebrate the Jubilee anniversary with the rest of PNG meaningfully and successfully.
“Without a chairman, we cannot access funds from the District Treasury accounts but we want the Simbu Provincial Administration and executive Government to intervene and sort out some funds. We would also appreciate if there is any possible to have access to the district trust account to help us with the celebrations,” he said.
“The people of Waiye, Mitnande, Nilgkande and Kundiawa are ready to celebrate this milestone with pride, gratitude, and determination to continue building a stronger future for Kundiawa-Gembogl and PNG.”
