Consider funds: Sir Peter

ENGA Governor Sir Peter Ipatas says the Government should refrain from passing too many bills without a thought for funding.
“What is the point of passing bills in Parliament but not having enough funds to support all the bills to implement the proposed programmes and projects,” he asked.
“The Government should consider the availability of funding before tabling and passing any bill.”
Sir Peter said this on Tuesday after thanking the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) to help set up an office in Enga for child and family services under the Lukautim Pikinini Act 2015.
“Like the Act, we are seeing massive support coming from the EU and Unicef and Enga is the first province in the country to witness a new council and an office,” he said.
“We need to think, plan and then execute, instead of just sitting and talking before tabling and passing bills in Parliament.”
Sir Peter said the Enga office would be supported with a K100,000 funding.
“This office will strive to protect any form of violence against children.
“The launching makes Enga the first province to pilot this project under the Community Development, Youth and Religion Department and funded and supported by the EU and Unicef,” Sir Peter said.
Community Development, Youth and Religion Minister Wake Goi, who launched the office, said centres would be opened in other provinces over time.
He said women and children abuse was a growing concern that needed serious and urgent attention.
“We will continue to support this office and ensure it addresses the issues affecting children and women,” he said.
“Children needs the courage and protection, shelter and a life, but, their rights have been neglected.
“There are many children forced into labour, while others are subject to threat and violence in their homes.”
Goi said tribal fighting was another issue forcing children and their families to flee their homes.