By LUKE KAMA - The National
FINANCE Minister Charles Abel, pictured, presented a development levy of K3.9 million from the PNG LNG project to the Gulf government in Kerema on Friday.
The payment to Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta was a replacement for an earlier government cheque issued by the Finance Department but was refused by the bank due to insufficient funds in the account.
Abel, former deputy prime minister and treasurer, said there was so much money coming into the country from the extraction of the oil and gas, particularly the PNG LNG project, but all the money was not factored into the national budget every year.
“These monies are tied to Kumul Petroleum Holdings Ltd and these are some of the legacy issues that I have been talking about for change in the previous government,” he said.
“We need to have that money factored into the annual budgets so that we are able to finance projects and programmes and deliver much-needed services to our people.”
Abel said the former prime minister Peter O’Neill had done a lot of good things for the country, but at the same time he did a lot of bad things too.
“But we must not dwell on the past,” he said.
“We have a new government, a new, young and vibrant prime minister in James Marape and I stay committed to support his visions for the good of our people and our country.
“Because as a leader, I have always maintained that what I do at the national, provincial and in my district is to ensure our people are served well.
“That’s all I want and I have no other interest for myself or whatever.”
Abel reiterated that the Papua LNG project was very important for the people and the country that would generate enormous benefits and it was very important too that all stakeholders and project partners worked together to ensure the project came to fruition.
Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/gulf-gets-k3mil-lng-payment/
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