By Theckla Gunga – EMTV News, Port Moresby
As part of its reforms, the Papua New Guinea Defense Force will be establishing steering committees to oversee development programs throughout all PNG Defense Force Institutions in country.
These reforms include the introduction of the Intergraded Facilities Management System within in the Force’s finances, and the creation of a Project Contract Management Cell.
Acting PNGDF Secretary Trevor Meauri says accountability within development programs will be the main focus this year.
These development programs include the renovation of houses, single quarters and mess facilities at all PNGDF institutions throughout the country.
In an earlier interview, PNGDF Commander Major General Gilbert Toropo, said 2019 would see more steps taken to transform PNGDF into a modern organization capable of carrying out sovereignty exercises to protect the people of PNG.
In 2019, the PNGDF has been allocated a total of K 269 million through the Law and Order Sector in the National Budget.
This is a K71 million increase from the K198.7 million budget it was allocated in the 2018 national budget.
In 2018, the force experienced delays in the release of allowances for soldiers deployed for sanctioned operations – something the PNGDF does not want to happen this year.
2019 will also see the implementation of the PNGDF Medium Term Development Plan which outlines activities for the next five years.
This plan is in line with the PNGDF White Paper Policy that was launched in 2013.
