The Papua New Guinea opposition leader, Patrick Pruaitch, says the government is risking a major financial crisis engulfing the education system.
Patrick Pruaitch Photo: Loop PNG
He said according to the 2018 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook released last week funding to education has been more than halved.
Mr Pruaitch said many schools in various provinces are already in deep trouble because some millions in Tuition Free Fee funding is still owed from last year.
He also took issue with the government's borrowing, saying debt servicing is now costing the country US$593 million annually.
Mr Pruaitch, who is a former Treasurer, said an account called the Secretary's Advance was intended to provide emergency funding for event such as the Highlands earthquake but no money from this account has gone towards the recovery.
The opposition leader said closer scrutiny of this latest report showed the true colours of a government that is neglectful of national priorities and the wellbeing of most of the people in this country.