By SEPKOLIN WALNE
The Public Accounts Committee has revealed that the Connect PNG program spent K4.5 billion outside the legal framework for five years.
Deputy Chairman of PAC and MP for Hiri-Koiari Keith Iduhu questioned the Connect PNG Program Committee about a trust account.
“K4.5 billion has been spent outside a trust account, yet the mandatory trust account required to safeguard and manage these funds was never established.
“PAC members want to know exactly where that money went without proper oversight,” Mr Iduhu said.
He added that government funds totaling K4.5 billion have been spent on roads outside of the legal framework over the past five years.
The PAC issued a 14-day deadline for the Connect PNG Board to establish a trust fund and bring the program into legal compliance.
Finance Secretary Samuel Penias assured the committee that the account would be opened immediately.
“We will work on that process and await instructions from Works to start it up.
“Maybe it’s an oversight that we have not done and happy to work that process and get it corrected, let’s move in the direction of law,” Secretary Penias said.