By Scott Waide – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The National Economic Fiscal Commission (NEFC) commenced a two-day regional workshop in Madang today that will look at reports and performances of provinces in the Momase region, in terms of service delivery, at the provincial and local level. This involves funds allocated by the National Government under the Reforms of Intergovernmental Financing arrangements (RIGFA), for five key areas of service delivery:
• Health
• Education
• Transport and Infrastructure
• Primary Production
• and Village Courts
According to NEFC Chairman and Chief Executive officer (CEO), Hohora Suve, funds allocated to the provinces and districts have increased overtime.
“We started off with K134 million for the provinces, and that figure in 2019 was K565 million so provinces have seen an increase in the last ten years.”
One of the major setbacks for service delivery however, is delayed funding.
“They have been spending that money on the main service delivery areas, which National Economic and Fiscal Commission cost out… What let us down is the actual release of funds. In terms of having effective service delivery, it is a limitation for them.”
The concerns raised over delayed funding were echoed by representatives from the different regions as well.
The RIGFA was implemented 10 years ago, replacing the old system which allocated funds according the population in an area.
Mr. Suve says the annual workshops are an avenue for provinces to report, share their challenges and successes in implementing the RIGFA.
