by Mickey Kavera – EM TV, Port Moresby
The government has been urged to be decisive, in improving the surveillance and monitoring of Papua New Guinea’s borders.
Deputy Speaker and Member for South Fly, Aide Ganasi was concerned, particularly for the Weam Border Post in his South Fly District of Western province.
Ganasi told parliament today that the Weam Border Post is a key transit point for smuggling illegal goods and contraband into the country.
“[The] Weam Border Post was supposed to be built in 2009 to monitor these illegal activities,” he said.
He questioned Deputy Prime Minister, Leo Dion, in parliament, on why the K130 million earmarked for the Border Development Authority to carry out these projects, was diverted to purchasing marine vessels.
Dion said, in reply to the minister, that the funds were not released, and there are still plans in place to build border posts. He stated that the six vessels are currently operating to generate funds for their operations.
The Border Development Authority requires funding to carry out its tasks and requires the help from the government, he added.
