Community Leader Queries Use of Funds

A community leader from Tambul in Western Highlands has questioned the whereabouts of K6 million intended for the rehabilitation of education services and Infrastructure (Resi) program for Tambul High School.

Local businessman Peter Agura claimed in a statement last Friday that Tambul-Nebilyer MP Benjamin Poponawa had collected the K6 million RESI funding. However, the money was never delivered to the school.

In a letter to the school’s headmaster on Oct 10, 2009, Resi national project manager with the Department of Education Michael Phasa had confirmed the disbursement of the money through Poponawa.

“The sum is, presumably, sitting in your district treasury account. The honourable member had also seen me and confirmed that some funds had been given,” Phasa said in the letter.

He also advised the headmaster and the school to initiate the procurement process including getting the scope of works completed; drawing up schedules for implementation and payment and to identify a contractor and a legal contract of engagement.

However, according to Agura, the money was never used for the school.

“Poponawa had told Tambul High School administration that the funds were used for other schools but details of these projects were not made available. I was also informed that only K2 million of the K6 million went into the Tambul district treasury account. We do not know where the balance went to,” Agura said.

He said similar concerns had been raised for:

• Tambul health center where K5 million was allegedly diverted elsewhere;
• Questionable disbursement of K2 million in cash to villagers for cleaning Tambul station, and;
• Tomba-Tambul road construction for K17 million did not follow proper tendering processes.

He also urged Poponawa not to interfere in the teaching appointments of Tambul High School but to concentrate on his political duties and obligations.

Via The National.