Basil denies receiving Wafi Golpu infrastructure grants share

The Bulolo MP digging ground to signify the roll out of the roofing iron project in Mumeng (NBC News)

Bulolo MP Sam Basil Jr. has denied receiving a share of the Wafi Golpu Infrastructure Development Grants, clearing the air while addressing the Mumeng people during the rollout of the roofing iron project.

Basil said, “We are doing as much as we can to improve livelihoods in the district with the limited resources we have, but if we also received our share of the Wafi Golpu Infrastructure Development Grants, we could achieve much more.”

“Bulolo hasn’t received any funds from the IDG, as claimed recently by the Governor at Tutumang,” Basil clarified.

Basil called on his LLG Presidents, particularly the Provincial Mining Minister and the Watut LLG President, to be more vocal in the Provincial Assembly and fight for funds that rightfully belong to Bulolo, as the Wafi mine is located in the Mumeng LLG of Bulolo District.

“I challenge my fellow local presidents to fight for what is rightfully Bulolo’s, as I am also seeking help at my level to serve my people in the district,” Basil added.

Basil explained that the rollout of the roofing iron is part of a continuing project inspired by his late father’s legacy, which included presenting 2,000 roofing iron sheets and one genset each to Lealu and Mumengtaim.

He acknowledged the criticism regarding the distribution of services to his people, but emphasized that he would continue to serve his district, providing everything from gensets to solar power for every home.

“People may say that genset distribution is the responsibility of the councilors, but they are not doing it. So, who will do it if I don’t go down to the ordinary village level to assist my people?” Basil said.

“I urge other so-called politicians in the district to refrain from using people’s emotions or politicizing the church and education,” he added.

The rollout of roofing iron will be followed by the distribution of solar power, from Buang LLG to Mumeng, and the same will be extended to Watut and Bulolo. Additionally, each church will receive instruments and gensets.