by Quinton Alomp – EM TV, Madang
Priority has to be given to Papua New Guinea’s transport sector due to future international events the country will be hosting.
Transport Department Deputy Secretary of the Technical Wing, Kevin Luana highlighted this during the Maritime Security Seminar opening in Madang on Monday this week.
Mr Luana says there is a need to enforce tough surveillance and security measures as terrorism activities have been frequently happening in other countries, posing an international threat; PNG has no option but to prepare.
In light of the international events PNG is hosting, such as the 2015 Pacific Games and the 2018 APEC Summit, as well as the liquefied natural gases overseas exportation, security issues must be addressed, with a quality control program in place.
Mr Luana said the PNG maritime sector is an attractive target for terrorists, which may be serious impact on the economy. The transport department is keen to help raise more awareness in addressing these issues.
The transport department’s former advisor, Chris Dodd said PNG is at its’ initial stages of implementing the International Ships and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, under the IMO SOLAS convention 1974.
Since 1994, the government has spent over K6 million on maritime security enforcement in strengthening marine security as over 75 per cent of trade is by sea.
Proper surveillance, manpower, technology, training and maintaining co-operation were the topics discussed at the seminar.
