Member for Middle Fly, Mai Maso Hewabi, has questioned Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, Sir Ano Pala, over delays in the release of K5 million allocated to each of seven newly created districts for the development of district headquarters.
Raising the matter during Question Time in Parliament yesterday, Mr. Hewabi said the National Government had committed the funds to help establish district infrastructure and administrative capacity, but several districts were still waiting to receive their allocations.
He asked the minister when the outstanding funds would be released, noting that delays were affecting the ability of new districts to establish headquarters and deliver services effectively.
Mr. Hewabi said the funding was intended to help build district capacities, including the construction of district headquarters and other essential facilities.
However, he said while some districts had received their allocations, others were yet to receive any funds despite the Government’s commitment.
He stressed that the purpose of creating new districts was to strengthen local administration and service delivery, adding that the absence of district headquarters had forced some administrations to operate from rented accommodation.
Mr. Hewabi further argued that without proper headquarters, staff housing and office facilities, district officers faced difficulties in implementing development plans and carrying out their responsibilities effectively.
In response, Sir Ano acknowledged the question and said he did not have immediate details on the status of the payments.
“I do not have the details of the payment process, including which districts have received the funds and which have not,” he said.
Sir Ano told Parliament he would review the records and provide a detailed response to the Member’s question during the next sitting.