PM says ESP not from gov’t taxes and duties as falsely circulated

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has retreated for the second time this year that funds for the Economic Stimulus Package remain intact.

Regardless of his statement two weeks ago that funds for the controversial ESP remained intact, certain quarters in the media had continued to report that the government was struggling to meet its obligations under ESP.

But Sogavare used the opportunity today to assure everyone that funds remain intact and they have continued to issue them to the recipients.

He said:” I reaffirm that funds for ESP remain intact for all approved projects. I also re-emphasise that the source of funds for the ESP is from development partner support plus other domestically raised resources and are NOT from government taxes and duties as falsely circulated”  

Sogavare also revealed that uploading is continuing of new recipients of the Economic Stimulus Package into the ESP Website continues this week.

He adds: “Assessment and Payments of approved recipients which resumed last week continues this week until all approved projects are paid.”

 The government had last year agreed to a $309m ESP and since the implementation of the funds, there were accusations of nepotism by the government and those who administer the funds.

The ESP was intended to support business during the COVID-19 pandemic.

News@SBMOnline2021