Baki lauds K182m budget for police

By SHEILA LASIBORI
POLICE Commissioner Gari Baki has expressed satisfaction with the budget allocation of K182 million for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.
However, the earmarked amount was about K6 million short of the police’s initial request of K187 million.
“Generally, I am happy with the budget allocation to the police force,” Mr Baki said.
Now that the figures were already available to the police management, Mr Baki said the priority area that would be looked into next year was the salary for the country’s policemen and women.
But the need for new vehicles to replace those that will be sent to the Board of Survey did not get a favourable response.
According to Mr Baki, an initial request of K4 million was made for new vehicles but only K1 million was given.
“I will be going back to my minister to talk about it ... we estimated at the end of the last election that K4 million per year for a period of five years would save a lot on transport hire and maintenance costs.
“The Government is well placed and I will take the matter back with the minister,” Mr Baki said.