Plans to revitalise PTB
By JASON SOM KAUT
FUNDS amounting to K400 million intended for rural projects and infrastructure rehabilitation is sitting idle in trust accounts.
This amount is shared equally by the Health and Education Departments each have K200 million.
The money would be used if the Works Department and other line agencies are able to implement infrastructure projects, Transport, Civil Aviation and Works Minister Don Polye said yesterday.
He was speaking during the launch of the new-look plant and transport branch (PTB) of the Works Department at Milford Haven, Lae.
The PTB was dissolved in 1995 and its staff made redundant, while functions and funding were absorbed by the Works Department.
Mr Polye said: “We need K10 million to revive PTB and I will fight to get the money.
“But the change will not have any impact if we do not change our attitudes to keep abreast in a competitive global environment.”
A Government policy decision in 2003 paved the way for revitalising PTB, but it has not been effected until the change at the secretary level.
Secretary Joel Luma, who attended yesterday’s launch, was credited with the revamp.
A cheque for K200,000 was issued to contruction company UMW Niugini to repair some of PTB’s 114 heavy equipment.
Another plan would be the revival of apprenticeship training.
Mr Polye said about 1,440 apprentices had missed out while PTB was in limbo.
The PTB has been reorganised as a self-financing trust account to maintain construction equipment in strategic locations in the four regions to carry out repairs on national roads.
The Japanese government has agreed to support the reorganisation of PTB by acquiring US$9.8 million (K28.5 million) worth of heavy equipment.
The Government is intent to revamp the economy and to deliver services to districts, Mr Poyle said.
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