Fund shortages nothing new: SDL

Fund shortages nothing new: SDL
http://www.sun.com.fj/ - 6/10/2008

The shortage of funds in many Government departments is nothing new, says a major political party.
Soqosoqo Duavata Ni Lewenivanua party national director Peceli Kinivuwai said ever since the December 2006 military coup the State has been facing money problems.
The reports have been strongly denied by Interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry.
Reacting to media reports claiming the State had no funds for planned projects Mr Kinivuwai said the problem had become serious.
“There are reports that the one-third cash contributions already paid into government for self-help projects cannot be refunded because of shortage of funds.
“Owners of these projects have asked for refunds because they have waited too long for the implementation of their projects. Some of them have waited since December, 2006. They want their funds back so that they can use them for other investments,” Mr Kinivuwai said.
Mr Kinivuwai said the release of funds is the primary responsibility of the Ministry of Finance. He has blamed the interim Minister of Finance, Mahendra Chaudhry for the current problems. Mr Kinivuwai said that Mr Chaudhry is so obsessed about achieving a budget surplus at any cost.
“Mr Chaudhry knows that the easiest way to achieve this is to withhold essential expenditures.
“As a result of this disastrous policy our roads are in very poor conditions; water supply problems continue; there are serious shortages of drugs in many hospitals; students are starving; rural development projects have ceased, and the list goes on,” said Kinivuwai.
Mr Chaudhry in response to the report said the media company that ran the story was ill-advised.
He alleged that the media company was bent on discrediting the interim government and its work