The 2010 national budget allocation for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville is still being questioned by the region’s leaders.
Tsitalato Council of Elders Chairman, Joseph Gatana, supported a call by Acting President Mathias Salas who said the allocation is insufficient.
Early this week, Mr Salas, who is also ABG Finance Minister, said he was disappointed that the PNG government has reduced the 2010 ABG budget allocation.
Mr Salas said the government failed to keep its promise to increase the region’s recurrent grant and failed to allocate K15 million provided for under the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
The reduction will result in no major projects being undertaken such as the sealing of the Buka Ring Road.
The region’s trunk road will also suffer because of the national government’s decision to cut the budget.
Supporting the Acting President, Mr Gatana urged the PNG government to adjust the budget to accommodate the region’s needs and requirements.
Mr Gatana said the present allocation will hamper progress towards a referendum and eventual independence.
He challenged the national government to live up to its agreed commitment with the ABG Government and the people of Bougainville.
Meanwhile, Mr. Gatana called on the ABG Government to tell the people of how it had used K4 million given by the national government for reconciliation.
Mr Gatana said there are many pending reconciliations and the government must tell people how much money there is and how much will be allocated for each.
He said the people of Bougainville have a right to know and to be informed about the used of this public money.
Comments