Morobe police still waiting for allowances

 By JUNIOR UKAHA

POLICE in Morobe are still waiting for funds promised by the provincial administration to help them provide security for the local level government elections. 

Provincial police commander Leo Lamei yesterday said there was no police presence in Waria, Garaina, Morobe patrol post, Siassi and Kabwum because of funding constraints.

The funds are supposed to be used for allowances, transportation, logistics and rations for officers providing security for electoral officials, voters and ballot boxes in remote areas of the province.

Deputy provincial administrator Patilias Gamato said two weeks ago the provincial government had committed K200,000 each to the Lae metropolitan command and the provincial command for their LLG election operations.

Referring to the funds, Gamato said: “These are not funds from the electoral commission but assistance given by the provincial administration to police.”

But Lamei said no funds had yet been given to police.

“Every time we (police) go and enquire, they tell us they are still raising the cheque,” Lamei said. 

“I do not know when we will get it (money).”

Provincial elections manager Simon Sinai said polling for half of the 568 wards in the province had been completed, with counting in progress.

Provincial treasurer Andrew Namuesh said he had no answers to the issue raised by Lamei and had to find out whether a commitment was made by the administration to police.

“I have to check and confirm things before I give you anything,” Namuesh said.