By Sylvester Gawi – EM TV, Lae
The Morobe Provincial Government’s 2015 budget of K470 million will be focused on improving transport infrastructure and continue investments in economic projects.
Governor Kelly Naru pointed out that with the economic boom and population growth, funding to basic health and education services remains a high priority.
The Morobe Provincial Budget for 2015 was handed down yesterday afternoon by members of the Tutumang, and witnessed by provincial administration staff.
This year, the provincial government has allocated more than K7 million to maintain these infrastructures.
Road maintenance will include the Siassi Ring road, Aseki Menyamya road, Leron wantoat, Sialum to Masaweng road, Kabwum/Wasu road, Erap Boana road, 40 Mile to Wawin road and the Wau to Kasangare road.
There will be maintenance of bridges in all districts, as well as wharfs and jetties for coastal districts and airstrips for remote areas.
Other projects that are expected to be implemented this year include funding of K13.2million for the 33 local level governments (LLGs) in the province, police and CIS housing, rural communication, construction of new high schools, and provincial law and order projects.
From its 2015 budget, the National Government has allocated over K327million to the Morobe province for development, service delivery and LLG grants.
As the economic hub of Papua New Guinea, Morobe generates around K110 million in internal revenue.
Goods and Service Tax (GST) generates over K95 million, motor vehicle registration K8.7million, liquor licensing K2.5 million, mining royalties K2.5 million, and bookmakers K1 million.
With significant economic growth in Lae City, the internal revenue is expected to increase in the next 10 months.
Meanwhile, the National Government continues to fund key economic projects in Morobe province.
These include the second phase of the Lae tidal basin project, Lae Nadzab highway, Lae city roads and the upgrading of ANGAU and Wau hospitals.
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