Atiyafa: NEC decision not included in budgets

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POLICE Minister Robert Atiyafa says a decision by the National Executive Council (NEC) in 2014 to allocate K6 million for Barola in Henganofi, Eastern Highlands, was not included in the past two national budgets.
Atiyafa, pictured, was responding to concerns by the Barola Crisis Working Committee on the whereabouts of the K6 million.
They have threatened to withdraw from maintaining peace along the notorious section of the Highlands Highway.
Committee chairman Ben Yafive said the money was allocated at a special Cabinet meeting for impact projects in Barola after the highway was closed for two weeks in September 2014, following the death of a secondary school teacher from the area.
The teacher was allegedly killed by a PMV driver from Western Highlands.
“I am fully aware of it and was personally involved in this and have brought the submission to the NEC following the death of Albert (the teacher),” Atiyafa said.
“Part of the money was to purchase the land and put up a 24-hour police post to allow people to travel freely as Barola is always known for criminal activities.
“The money was endorsed by the NEC but was never included in the last two budgets (2015 and 2016).”