PNG Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, Simo Kilepa, has responded to a recent Post-Courier news report concerning allegations of missing Green Fee revenue collections administered through the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby.
In a statement, Minister Kilepa said he had noted the allegations “with serious concern” and assured the public, development partners, and stakeholders that the Government was treating the matter seriously.
Related news: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/environment-minister-orders-urgent-probe-into-alleged-missing-ccda-green-fee-funds/
“As Minister responsible for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, I wish to assure the public, development partners, and all stakeholders that our government takes these allegations seriously,” Minister Kilepa stated.
He stressed that public funds must be protected at all times, saying all institutions operating under his Ministry were expected to maintain the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and financial integrity.
The Minister announced that he would direct the Chairman of the Climate Change and Development Authority Board to provide his office with a full report into the matter.
The report is expected to outline the circumstances surrounding the alleged missing funds, the contractual and procurement arrangements linked to any external company involved in the revenue collection process, and the financial reconciliation and reporting mechanisms that were applied.
Minister Kilepa also requested details on officers responsible for oversight and administration of the process, as well as immediate corrective actions to be taken by the CCDA Board and the Ministry as a matter of priority.
The Green Fee system is collected from international travelers and is intended to support climate change and environmental initiatives in Papua New Guinea.
The Minister’s statement follows growing public interest and scrutiny surrounding the management of the revenue collections at Jacksons International Airport.