K280mil for SOE work

The National Main Stories

By REBECCA KUKU
THE National Executive Council (NEC) has approved K280 million for the Covid-19 state of emergency (SOE) operations.
SOE Controller David Manning told The National that the K280 million was separate from the K45 million that was previously approved by NEC for the Department of Health’s Covid-19 response and preparedness plans.
Manning said the previous K45 million was approved before the SOE and, so far, only K23 million had been drawn down from it.
“So this K280 million is separate from the K45 million and is for the Covid-19 state of emergency operations,” he said. “Most of this money will be used for the health response and, of course, the security aspect of it as well.
The K280 million was approved by NEC under economic response to support the health and security response to Covid-19 state of emergency.
When The National asked acting Health secretary Dr Paison Dakulala in a press conference yesterday on where the K280 million was sourced, he said: “On where the funding was sourced, I don’t have an answer to that, it will have to come from appropriate authorities.
“But we do have procurement plans in place on how the money will be spent.”

7 comments

  • This is a Health matter, How did the Funds end up in the hands of the Police and other security forces? Health is lacking behind with lack of medical supplies (PPE) and others.

  • No need any more for police to ensure restrictions, We only need to equip our health systems, and conduct awareness’s for peoples health and safety, COVID 19 is here to stay, Supply PPEs to Schools, Hospitals and other public facilities and utilities.

  • Health officer should get more than police officers out of the millions. PLEASE

  • No purpose of funding goes to Police and Defence personal. Wasting public money for no good reason. Police and army are not eligible people to carry out this work. Fund all money to Health Department to improve the Health System around the country. Where is the 5.6 billion stimulus budget approval done by the government this year? No impact of these funding and now k280 million approval will have no impact as well. Where is this money going in to?

  • Can the Government please exercise some restrain in how it is spending money? At this rate we are only going into bigger debt. What are their policies and plans on how the funds will be used? How will these funds be managed? I cannot see a reason for Police to be coordinating the SOE. Step aside and hand it over to the Health authorities to manage. Something smells rotten here. Come on PMJM, is this your idea of taking back PNG?

  • PMJM, why so much money to Police and Defense. You only need soldiers and Police to protect our boarders, no need for Curfew SOE. Improve our health facilities and awareness to people on hygiene.

Comments are closed.