By GINNAH MINI
MEMBER for Ialibu-Pangia, Hon. Peter O’Neill, has called for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Connect PNG Programme during Friday’s grievance debate in Parliament.
Mr. O’Neill acknowledged the Government’s efforts under the programme but raised concerns over its cost, stating that approximately K4 billion had been spent over the past few years, with outstanding contracts exceeding K10 billion.
He questioned whether the outstanding contracts had been factored into the national budget, warning that future government expenditure was being committed.
Mr. O’Neill also called for the release of an independent investigation report into the programme, which he said the Prime Minister had previously indicated would be conducted by a private accounting firm.
“These are millions of kina, and the Prime Minister said to engage a private investigating accounting firm. We heard that the reports are ready. Why isn’t the report coming to Parliament for us to see and confirm that the proper processes were followed and that the report was compiled independently?” he asked.
He expressed concern that reports promised to Parliament were often not tabled, warning that this could normalise a lack of transparency in the management of public funds.
“We often forget about it, thinking it’s a norm to spend billions of public funds at our wish without being transparent or accountable. We can’t take it lightly,” he said