Jails to manage own funds

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Wednesday October 30th, 2013

 PROVINCIAL jails can now access funds at their treasury offices instead of from the headquarters, Correctional Service Commissioner Martin Balthasar says.

He said it was a positive programme that would boost the daily operations of jails in the country.

He was speaking during the launching of the CS financial autonomy to prison in service delivery rollout programme on Monday, in Port Moresby.

The programme will see each provincial jail receiving a budget of K20,000 every month. The funds will be managed by provincial jail commanders. 

“Technical and professional assistance have been possible through collaboration between with the Finance Department, Correctional Services and Australian Aid,” Balthasar said.

“The delivery outcomes of the rollout programme will be in terms of how effective it will touch the lives of prisoners, officers and other stakeholders involved in the operations and managements of prisons and rural lockups.

“People want to see material things.

“They want to realise and experience the realisation of policies and programmes initiated and carried out by the Government in partnership with donor agencies and other concerned agencies.”