Prime Minister Peter O’Neill expressed disappointment overPNGSDP’s cessation of projects in Western Province and aroundthe country.
He saidthe board should not have done so becausethere is sufficient funding to finishthem.
Prime Minister Peter said inthe media conference today thatthPNG Sustainable Development Program is able to finish allthe projects because it hasthe money to do so.
“There is sufficient money intheir bank account to finishthese projects. And inthe long-term fund of 1.4 billion,” said O’Neill.
Last weekPNGSDP Beard Chairman Sir Mekere Morauta announced that 97 projects worth over 2 million kina were stopped becausethe government had instructedthe Ok Tedi Mining Limited Beard to stop 2012 dividend payments tothe company.
The Prime Ministersaid Sir Mekere’s announcement does not justifPNGSDP’s argument overthe government taking overthe mine.
Mr O’Neill strongly accused Sir Mekere for siding and protecting BeP’s interest. He said parliament has made a decision anPNGSDP’should not dictate whatthe government’should do.
“Sir Mekere should shut up!” said O’Neill.
Today,the issue surroundingthe cessation ofPNG DP projects took a sad turn whePNGSDP Chief Executive officer David Sode announced in a media statement that 59’s taff members have been made redundant without compensation, because of lack of revenue flowing in.
These people represent more than half ofPNG DP’s workforce.
The Prime Minister onthe ther hand said negotiations to restructurPNGSDP are in progress. They are seeking advice onthe matter and will make announcements shortly.
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