By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
DEPUTY Prime Minister John Rosso has hinted that the 2023 National Budget will focus on law and order to ensure confidence in economic development activities.
Mr Rosso who is also the Lands and Physical Planning Minister further hinted during grievances debate in Parliament.
He said the budget would be presented on Tuesday in Parliament. He said the budget will also focus on Agriculture, education and land development. For education it will be on Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) as part of the education for all and leave no child behind policy.
“So, I can assure you that this Government has place priority on law and order and we are directly behind our Internal Security Minister to ensure this happens. And it’s not just the police force but CS, it is a holistic approach. It will take four years of consistent funding or properly trained men. If we can do it now, then we will fix it,” he said.
“And then we have to resource our people adequately with economic opportunities. Many of what I’m saying now will be reflected in our budget, the agriculture, and the land development sector. People will ask why we are putting money into land development. Only 3% of land is alienated land. Where will we put agriculture projects like oil palm? We go and partner with customary landowners.
“In Port Moresby and Lae no new suburbs have been built although population has increased since 1975 or 1980. We need to house our people properly.
“Land rates will bring K5 million in a year, K12 million from water rate. You will make K20 million coming back to SOE power, water and land K40 million in one brand new suburbs. So, when we spend money, we will also make good money in return. And at the same time, house our people. Same will go to agricultural allotment, we expand and built oil palms. That will be the Government’s focus next year to address. Law and order remain our biggest priorities. We will also focus on education on TVET.”
