GOVERNMENT WITH NO MONEY?

The manner in which public money is spent is always a cause for concern when it comes to transparency and accountability. Apart from the obvious forms of corruptive, devious and deceitful practises that public officials apply to maximise their gain on funds meant for essential projects and services in the country, there are regulations in expenditure that permit officials to use portions of funds for activities that will not impact the intended projects or services.

One of such is the partial use of intended government money on personal emoluments and allowances, there is a certain percentage that can be spent on emoluments and allowances of persons implementing projects.

According to the Consultative Implementation & Monitoring Council (CIMC), in a conference held at Madang, the treasury audit stated that seventy per cent (70%) of public spending is absorbed by personal emoluments and allowances. The statistic is without a doubt shocking having to know how much public money being put into means contrary to the intended mission.

The public, NGOs and organisations have time and again criticised the government over its inability to deliver effectively. However, it has become widely acceptable to see public officials driving flashy vehicles, accommodated in luxurious hotels, and attending conferences in resorts, having a lump sum travel allowances, etc. 

So what is the point here? Well, the fact that PNG is so rich and yet so poor is because of the management of how we spend. Apart from the conventional corruptive practises that always eat away much of what is needed, laws also permit officials to use certain portions proposed for personal gains than the intended purpose, hence; there is only little left for the initial implementation of the project or service, and then we end up hearing people say “Gavman nogat moni (Government has no money)”. 

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