The Commander of the Joint Services Training College (JSTC) in Lae, Col. Carl Warkonei, has highlighted infrastructure, funding and logistics as key challenges facing the college at the start of a two-day meeting of all department heads in Lae.
The college was reopened in February after its closure more than 30 years ago.
However, eight months into operation, the college’s teething problems have been compounded by cash flow constraints which the country is experiencing.
The reopening of the JSTC is in line with moves to build the capacity of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force with an increase of personal and infrastructure forming, the core of the reforms.
“It will take 5 years to rehabilitate most of our infrastructure,” said Col Wrakonei.
“But rehabilitation comes with a cost.”
The college needs at least K6 million for the next two years for basic equipment including weapons, ammunition and field gear over two years for the 40 soldiers, police and corrections officers currently in training.
