Mesopotamia representative Lee Mark Chang used his presentation to focus on the tourism sector which - projections say is on the cusp a major downturn due to reduced travel from the United States.
But Chang zoned in on the 54 million dollar tourism bond launched in 20222 - for which he says there has not been sufficient public reporting or accountability:
Lee Mark Chang, Area Rep., Mesop
"Why has there been radio silence since 2022 on the bond? Not a single official report, not a single public update, not a single parliamentary disclosure on the bond's progress or impact. But we hear a lot about road projects, supplementary loans at every House meeting."
"But when it comes to tourism infrastructure, we hear nothing yet from the tourism industry bond. What tourism infrastructure has been completed under the tourism bond today? What? Where are the promised improvements?"
"What specific projects have been financed? What is the current financial status of the bond? How much have been dispersed or used? And what's left? We done know what's left. Are there any contractors to do the projects?"
"Were they selected through competitive bidding? Can we get an independent audit of the tourism bond spendings?"
