ALL MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT IN PNG TO ACQUIT THE 2024 PSIP and DSIP FUNDS BEFORE 31 MARCH 2025

The Ombudsman calls on all Members of Parliament to acquit the 2024 Provincial Service Improvement Program (PSIP funds and District Service Improvement Program (DSIP) by 31 March 2025.

The Ombudsman Commission is committed to upholding the standards of integrity and accountability of Leaders and calls on the Governors and Members of the Districts as the Chairmen of the Provincial Executive Council (PEC) and Chairmen of the Boards of District Development Authorities respectively to comply with this direction. As Chairmen, have the responsibility to:

(a) ensure the proper, efficient and economical performance of your Provinces and Districts.

(b) authorize the operation of the Province District to the maximum benefit of the people in your respective Provinces and Districts; and

(c) give directions to Provincial Administrators and Chief Executive Officers of your Provinces and District Development Authorities.

It has been a great concern to the Ombudsman Commission throughout the years that the acquittals remain outstanding for many years hence this Directive.

The relevant laws regulating the application and acquittal of the public money that came into the possession and control of Provinces and Districts are set out in the table below.

PSIP FUNDS:

- Section 102 of the Public Finance (Management) Act 1995

- PSIP, DSIP LLGSIP & WSIP Administrative Guidelines

DSIP FUNDS:

- Section 102 of the Public Finance (Management) Act 1995

- PSIP, DSIP LLGSIP & WSIP Administrative Guidelines

- Section 34 of the District Development Act 2014.

Failure to comply with the existing laws and policies guiding the requirement for acquittals constitutes a breach and can prompt further enquiry under the Leadership Code.

The Ombudsman Commission is concerned that without acquittals it is difficult to determine the manner in which the projects have been procured and whether they are public in nature with maximum public benefit.

Copies of the acquittals must be sent to the Ombudsman Commission through its Regional Offices and its Head Office in Port Moresby before or by 31 March 2025.

It is important that this directive is complied with as non-compliance will result in charges of misconduct in office under Section 23 of the Organic Law on the Duties and Responsibilities of Leadership.