Technology has the potential to reduce the extreme level of corruption and missmanagement and improve government service delivery in Papua New Guinea (PNG)A study by Research Gate argues that despite increased resources in the last two decades, PNG’s service delivery still falls short for most citizens.
Political governance factors, like the design of parliamentary and provincial institutions, are often blamed for poor outcomes.
The study notes that analyzing political constraints and incentive issues across the country can provide practical lessons for improving development in PNG.
On the positive note an objective assessment of the country’s overall economic development shows promise.
While the country may be excused for the poor delivery of much-needed government services, such as health, education, water, and sanitation, to its people, the unforgiving geography and failing legacy infrastructure make it exceptionally challenging to ensure the smooth flow of government services, both in urban and rural settings.
Yet, one unforgivable fact is the extremely high level of corruption and mismanagement in the country.
The relentless pursuit of wealth and fame drives political leaders to collude with overseas organizations solely for profit, neglecting the well-being of the people and recklessly exploiting the country’s natural resources without regard for citizens’ social and economic welfare.
An area that holds greater promise is the use of technology to fight corruption and missmanagement.
PNG PNG Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the lead ICT agency is moving in the right direction setting policy and legal framework to drive the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Given the glaring lack of trust by the people of the very government they voted in, the progress of DICT is somewhat slow as the Department pushes to get the buy in from both the government and private sector and most importantly the people.
The development of a robust digital economy, with all government systems and processes automated, will undoubtedly reduce the pervasive corruption in the government.
This transformation holds the potential to improve service delivery, restoring people’s trust in the government and enhancing the country’s international outlook.
Improved service delivery doesn’t just mean better livelihoods; it directly or indirectly addresses the worsening law and order situation, and attracting foreign direct investment in the country.
Hope lies in leveraging technology for a Papua New Guinea that is efficient, accountable, and prosperous.
