The Popondetta Urban Local Level Government has called for an investigation into the missing funds for the development of the Popondetta Urban Market.
The Department of National Planning allocated one point five million kina for the development of the market, but the project remains incomplete.
The money was paid to Quick Span Building Systems Limited, a local building contractor company.
The Popondetta Urban Market Project in the Ijivitari District in Northern Province is a national government-sanctioned project.
It was funded by the Department of National Planning under the District Market Improvement Program of 2010.
DocuMen’s received by EMTV showed that K1.5 million was paid to Quick Span Building Systems Limited, to carry out the project.
The cheque was collected by now Minister for Forestry and member for Kiriwina Goodenough, Douglas Tomureisa.
He was then the Managing Director of Quick Span Building Systems Limited. But the current state of the market does not reflect the amount allocated for its redevelopment.
Most of the buildings are incomplete, with the company failing to provide audits of the project funds.
The Popondetta Urban Local Level Government is disappointed with the lack of accountability and transparency.
They are calling on the Department of National Planning and the Department of Rural Development and Implementation, to assist the police Fraud squad to ensure justice is served on those involved in misusing the funds.
Earlier, Northern Province Governor, Gary Juffa had criticized the handling of the project. He says, the market is one of many failed projects in the province.
He has directed an investigation into the project as well.
The provincial government has set up provincial supplies and tenders board to monitor the awarding of contracts, and also to avoid the misuse of funds for future projects.
Attempts to contact Mr. Tomureisa, was unsuccessful.
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