ESP Governor questions Works Minister on roads in ESP

East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has directly challenged the Minister for Works and Highways, Peter Tsiamalili Jr., over the awarding of road construction contracts in the province. Bird raised the issue during a parliamentary session, questioning why contracts are being given to foreign companies instead of local contractors.

Bird referenced a directive from Prime Minister James Marape, who he understood had stated that road construction contracts valued below K10 million should be awarded to local businesses. This policy, Bird implied, is not being followed in East Sepik.

The governor's inquiry highlights a broader concern about empowering local businesses and ensuring that development projects benefit the provincial economy. The decision to award contracts to foreign entities raises questions about transparency and adherence to national directives aimed at supporting local capacity.

The Minister for Works and Highways is expected to provide a detailed response addressing the governor's concerns and clarifying the criteria for awarding road construction contracts within the province.

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Contracts worth less than K10 million can be given to local contractors to construct roads.