Defence force happy with Budget allocation

National

By JACKLYN SIRIAS
The PAPUA New Guinea Defence Force is prepared to operate within the allocated budget next year despite the K20 million cut, says commander Brig-Gen Gilbert Toropo.
He told The National that last year the defence force was allocated K228 million.
“This year we were given K208 million, a cut by K20 million compared to last year,” he said.
Toropo said it was unfortunate but they understood the current financial situation faced by the country.
He said they had committed their priorities for next year.
“Some of the priorities that we have committed include the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) meeting next year, border security and utility, bills and bilateral programmes that will support the Apec preparation,” Toropo said.
Defence Force expenditure breakup include K3.94 million for maritime, K122,000 for ministerial services, K926,000 for forward operating bases, K409,000 for bilateral creditors and K10 million each for social security services, Force Support Services and PNGDF Apec preparation.