Tkatchenko denies K50m for Independence celebrations

Papua New Guinea Sports and National Events Minister Justin Tkatchenko has brushed aside allegations of a 50-million Kina payment to a foreign company to organize PNG's 40th Independence Anniversary Celebrations across the country.
Speaking last night at the Parliament State Function Room, at the official launching of the 40th Independence logo, Minister Tkatchenko said the Government has allocated 25-million Kina for the national event.
He says all events provide by service providers for the purpose of celebrating independence will be coordinated through the National Events Council.
The Minister says, all M-P's will receive 100-thousand Kina each for their district celebrations, while Governors of the three main provincial centres of Morobe, East New Britain and Western Highlands will get 500-thousand Kina each.