NIPA-Kutubu Member of Parliament (MP) Dr Billy Joseph has refuted claims that he has labelled the Government’s Connect PNG Programme a scam.
He was responding to allegations on social media that claimed he had said the government programme had smeared PNG’s reputation among its donors and risked losing US$6.9 million in development funds.
“The allegations were made by someone, who has been identified to be a failed contractor in the Southern Highlands,” Joseph said.
“I made no such claims as alleged.
“These persons are intent on harming my rapport with the Marape-Rosso Government but they won’t work; truth and sincerity always win in this game.”
“The Nipa-Kutubu District Development Authority has not received any funding from the Connect PNG Programme nor from the Department of Works and Highways for any projects to date,” Joseph said.
“However, bids have been called for the Poroma to Kutubu road sealing and the sealing of the Mendi to Nipa road under Connect PNG is in Nipa Kutubu and I am grateful for these two critical road projects in Nipa Kutubu”.
“The Connect PNG Programme is the best policy any PNG government past or present has ever implemented.
“Subsequently, contractors who apply for projects under this programme (Connect PNG) have the responsibility to deliver them within budget and on time.
“We must not compromise with contractors who fail their obligations.
He said the national and provincial governments must start black-listing contractors that do not deliver on their projects as the government has limited resources available every year.
“The government and taxpayers should not spend more than we should on any one project,” the MP said.
