Concerns over incomplete lab

By SAMUEL BARIASI
THE Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s (RPNGC) forensic science department in Gordon, Port Moresby, is still waiting on their laboratory to be completed since work began last March, chief of forensic science Supt Phillip Rambaliku says.
Supt Rambaliku said K500,000 was released but no work had been done since then, adding that they were paying the University of PNG and University of Technology to do tests.
“Sending samples for tests overseas is very expensive and one DNA test would cost more than K20,000. We can save costs by conducting tests here with our own laboratory,” he told The National.
Supt Rambaliku said his department needed the laboratory to support criminal investigations.
“We have to assist our investigators and build our capacity and all those will be achieved if we have our own laboratory.”
“Once completed, we can also assist the Government with other testing needs.”
Supt Rambaliku said after completion, his department would purchase equipment.
“Currently, we only have a few state-sanctioned laboratories in the country and we need to
have this laboratory up and running.”
Supt Rambaliku said funds
were allocated and he was still waiting for the building to be completed.
“We are currently using our universities’ laboratories which come at a cost,” he said.
“There are different types of samples and tests so the cost varies, depending on the type of sample and test.
“In February, the National Planning Department allocated K2 million for the completion of the building but nothing has happened since then.”