The Papua New Guinea Defense Force still has a major welfare issue to address.
The hierarchy has been uttering words of discipline, change, and development; however, many of its barracks, particularly the single barracks, are infested with families and unrecognized spouses.
Newly-commissioned Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Kari, made these remarks, during the hand over parade this morning.
Colonel Kari, said he will be carrying out a major clean up exercise during his term. The force’s support battalion at Murray Barracks hosted a parade this morning, to signify the importance of the change in command.
The handover took place between commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ben Siria, and Lieutenant Colonel, Francis Kari.
The incoming Commanding Officer, also a former commanding officer of the First Royal Pacific Island Regiment, at the Taurama Barracks, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Kari, said drastic measures will be taken under his command, to clean up the barracks.
He said among priorities, is to conduct a major clean up exercise in the married and single barracks. He made special mention about the single barracks, saying it has been infested with families and unrecognized spouses over the years.
The PNGDF hierarchy says the married quarters are all occupied, and demand that the single quarters be reserved for single soldiers only. However, this has not been the case.
Some soldiers residing here, have been serving in the army for over 10 years, and have no choice, but to house their families here. This is also the case for other barracks in the country.
There is now growing concern as to the future of the current tenants, and those that have been recruited recently.
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