K180m for 2015 Games

By ISAAC NICHOLAS
The O’Neill-Namah government has allocated K180 million towards funding the 2015 Pacific Games to be held in Port Moresby.
The allocation including K20 million allocated in the 2011 Supplementary Budget brings to total K200 million of state funding towards the hosting of the 2015 Pacific Games.
Treasury and Finance Minister Don Polye in handing down the 2012 Budget in Parliament yesterday said the government was committed to support the 2015 Pacific Games.
Polye also introduced amendments to the Goods and Services Tax that supports the game by providing a GST Zero rating on the supply of goods and services to the games and an exemption for imported goods for the games or by athletes competing in the games or their support staff.
“This is the third time PNG has hosted the Pacific Games, and the government is committed to making this the best game ever,” Polye said
The funding will support the construction of new infrastructure, including accommodation for athletes at the University of Papua New Guinea which would be available to future students.
Polye said new sports facilities would be built and also there will be maintenance and upgrading of existing facilities.
He said the games were very important that would reflect the image of PNG.
Meanwhile PNG Sports Foundation board chairman Graham Osbourne, who is also the chairman of the Venues and Infrastructure Implementation committee, thanked the government coming good on its pledge to fully support the country’s biggest event.
“I’m very pleased with the funding and absolutely rapt and grateful that the government has delivered as promised,” Osbourne said.
“We’re behind a little on preparations but this is a massive boost and a sign that the government is right behind the games.
“We’ll get things started and press on but we will live within our means and do our best to get Port Moresby ready by 2015.”
PNG Sports Federation and Olympic Committee secretary-general Auvita Rapilla could not be reached for comment as she is in London.