North Fly MP Donald Rejects Use of K1 Million DSIP for PNG’s 50th Independence Celebration
North Fly MP James Donald has voiced strong opposition to a directive from the Department of Finance instructing all districts and provinces across Papua New Guinea (PNG) to allocate K1 million each from their Service Improvement Program (SIP) budgets to fund the nation’s 50th Independence Anniversary in 2025.
Donald revealed that the nationwide directive would divert a total of K118 million from development funding—K96 million from 96 districts and K22 million from 22 provinces. He raised concerns about whether this expenditure was lawfully appropriated in the 2025 national budget and questioned its compliance with the Public Finance Management Act.
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North Fly MP Donald Rejects Use of K1 Million DSIP for PNG’s 50th Independence Celebration |
He argued that using SIP funds for a national celebration goes against the core purpose of these funds, which is to address critical development needs at the district and provincial levels. Donald further questioned whether all local governments support using their limited resources for what he described as a one-day national event.
The MP emphasized that PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary should have a dedicated national budget line rather than relying on district-level funds. He expressed doubts about the economic reasoning behind spending such a large sum on celebrations amid pressing development demands.
Donald confirmed that the North Fly District Development Authority (DDA) will not allocate its K1 million SIP contribution for the event. Instead, the district will focus on delivering essential services and development projects that directly benefit its people.
He outlined the 2025 DSIP budget for North Fly, which includes K3 million for Kiunga Town waste management, K2 million for upgrades to Kiunga Hospital, K2 million for tertiary education sponsorship, K1 million for church support under law and justice, and K1 million for the cocoa economic development program. Smaller amounts are allocated for administration and project management.
The MP advised his constituents not to expect SIP funds to be used for the 50th Independence Anniversary and stressed that alternative funding sources should be explored. He issued an early notice ahead of the 16th September 2025 event, reaffirming North Fly’s commitment to development over celebratory spending.
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