Legal wrangles continue delay Goroka Market reconstruction

Eastern Highlands Governor Julie Soso

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, October 30, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

EASTERN Highlands Governor, Julie Soso has called on Minister for Finance, James Marape to intervene in the tender process to speed up work for the reconstruction of Goroka Market in Goroka Town following legal challenges to the funds held in trust for the major provincial market.

Ms Soso told parliament on Friday that her administration has put up K10 million along with K12 million from the National Government through the Department of National Planning but were yet to see construction take place due to legal challenges from the local Member for Goroka, Bire Kimisopa.

“As governor thorugh my PSIP (Provincial Service Improvement Program) funds I have put through K5 million in 2013 and another K5 million in 2014.”

“During the leaders’ summit, the PM (prime minister) put another K10 million towards the construction and another K2 million also is there also from 2012.”

“We have close to K22 million in the trust account at the provincial government treasury office. We have spent half a million on the documentation, design and scoping and all plans are with CSTB (Central Supply Tenders Board) here in Port Moresby to put it on tender,” Governor Soso said.

She said the legal challenge from Goroka MP through the court had been won by the provincial government, but was later followed by an ex-parte order to halt what was about to begin the construction phase.

“Minister for Finance the documentation is done it is with CSTB and people of Eastern Highlands and those who use the market are waiting still for when the project will start,” she said.

“I am asking if the minister can look into this and the CSTB can start tendering.”

Finance Minister James Marape confirmed the availability of funds for the market in trust , adding his concern of MPs contesting for funds for the same projects to benefits the very people they represent.

“I confirm as finance minister that we have that K22 million with us- I see no reason why there must be prolonged court cases,” Minister Marape said.

“This kind of trend happening around the country where leaders are contesting for funds for the same project- at the end of the day it is geared towards the same project for the same people to the same area.”

“I will take this time to direct the Centrals Supply and Tenders people because of the availability of funds- they will reassess where the court case is at the moment, but process of tendering for the market must take place immediately and hopefully before we go to the elections there is a market emerging in that part of the country.”