Public Service Minister and Abau MP Sir Puka Temu spoke out about allegations levelled made against him, this week, by rival candidates contesting the Abau Open seat.
He says the K80 million funding for the construction of Abau District Hospital comes from a provision from the Oil Search Tax Credit Scheme that allows for projects outside of project areas.
Oil Search has a governing system in awarding projects to contractors which Sir Puka said he had no influence over.
He said another K50 million funding from the Government, through the Office of Rural Implementation and Development, is for the district’s projects. The district treasury or District Development Authority decides on this before approving them.
Sir Puka also clarified that the K5 million funding for the Kupiano Town sealing was developed through a Public Investment Program, or PIP, after Cabinet’s meeting and not a particular candidate.
Sir Puka called on Abau candidate Sir Tipo Vuatha to apologise to him immediately for making these defamatory statements.
