by Jack Lapauve Jr – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Opposition Leader, Don Polye, said concerted efforts should be taken by all stakeholders to address fire hazards in the country, as it portrays a threat for investors.
He said the government should take the lead with adequate funding.
Polye’s statement has stemmed from a wave of fires destroying properties worth millions of Kina nationwide in a space of over 24 months with TST Group of companies shop in Port Moresby being the latest.
He has challenged Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, to adequately fund PNG Fire services, as fire risks are a threat to the investment portfolio of the country.
He said with fire risks at hand, downgrading of PNG’s B+ to negative B in the business climate index only makes the situation worse.
“When the Prime Minister is not serious about addressing the capacity issues of the fire services and other related agencies, why giving false hope to the potential investors at several forums he attends overseas,” said Mr Polye.
He has urged the Prime Minister and his Treasury Secretary, Dairi Vele, to immediately release the funds still owed to the fire services.
