Marape urges MPs to use existing funds for El Nino response

Prime Minister James Marape has made it clear to the electorate members not to expect the Government to give out endless funds in this disastrous time.

Responding to Sinasina-Yongomugl MP, Kerenga Kua, on funds in the recent parliament sitting Mr Marape said the district and provincial heads must optimize how much money they have.

Mr Kua asked the Prime Minister if he could front-load the District Service Improvement Program [DSIP], K3 million per district and K5 million per province to be distributed for use in this dry weather condition.

“The National Weather service has advised that the prolonged dry weather condition is bound to last up till 9 months, and we are in the first three months.

“Once we have the money in our hands, we can be able to make budget for disaster relief.” Mr Kua said.

The Prime Minister said the DSIP is K10 million, and it is given to all districts and provinces, and there is no money aside from the allocated funds.

“El Nino is an unplanned weather that has come by and our national government team are fully aware and are working to address the effects it has caused so far.

“Program and facilities will be on standby at this time of disaster.” Mr Marape said.

The Prime Minister has urged MPs not to waste money on services that can wait until after this extreme dry period and called on them to use their resources and address the effects of El Nino.