Polye describes PM O'Neill's Sepik plain funding as 'political gimmick'

PORT MORESBY:Opposition Leader Don Polye has described the launching of a multi-million-Kina agro-business venture in Yangoru-Saussia this week as ‘another political gimmick.’
Mr Polye said he was not talking down the country’s investment and the economy but was shedding a light on realities.

When commenting on the project, Mr Polye said he would not be surprised to see this project as another scam to bleed taxpayers’ money.
He said when he was the Treasury Minister he budgeted K50 million for Sepik Plain under a commercialization plan.
“When we are in government, we will be rolling out similar plans for Markham valley, Waghi valley, Karamui, Baiyer valley, Papua basin and New Guinea Islands to create wealth and employment for our people,” he said.
Polyeadded the fund was intended to be transferred directly to the East Sepik Provincial government and then to thefarmers.

“However, I have concrete evidences that this fund was hijacked as it was transferred directly to my Adventist brother Richard Maru’s department from Treasury.
“According to bank statements, a portion of the money was misused,” he said.
He said the Opposition attempted to table this transaction at the floor of Parliament but was gagged by the government’s numerical strength.

“We have lodged our complaint with the Ombudsman Commission and other authorities,” he said.
Polye said the Innovative Agro Industry Limited, a subsidiary of LR Group and a few employees, who have been pushing for the project, have been at the centre of pending investigations of corruption.

“IAI has been engaged by many districts and provinces to roll out similar projects but we are yet to hear reports of millions of taxpayers’ money, which was used for their set-ups, made any economic returns.
“I have records to prove that most projects implemented by this company are failed ones and a waste of public funds.
“Therefore, those with business interests have created such an opportunity to enrich themselves under the disguise of investment,” he said.
He said the Opposition would write to the Central Supplies and Tenders board to do due diligence on the record of the company.