PNG Customs renovates flats

THE PNG Customs Service’s housing project efforts extended to include the major renovation of one of its properties in Port Moresby recently, much to the delight of tenants and their families.
Staff welfare has become the priority for Customs and acting Commissioner Ray Paul, who strongly believes in the principle that prioritising staff welfare will boost the morale of his officers and achieve improved productivity levels, which subsequently will lead to the achievement of organisational goals and objectives.
Paul said the recently renovated property was a flat at Bisini, 4-Mile, one of two properties still owned by Customs after more than 20 years.
He said it had been neglected and had deteriorated while Customs was an operation division of the Internal Revenue Commission.
He said the major renovation, carried out by local contractor JBR Enterprises Ltd and the purchase of certain household items, would cost to K208,152, all paid for by the Customs User Fee Trust Account (CUSTA), a trust account that was established to support such major projects.
“We are happy that the units are more suitable for human dwelling now compared to what it was like before with broken water taps, showers and toilet areas falling apart from continuous water leakages,” John Nariria, a tenant and Customs Acting Assistant Commissioner for Corporate Services, said.
“On behalf of the tenants, I would like to thank the Customs management for authorising funds from CUSTA for the renovation work. The Bisini flats now look more like a dwelling place,” Nakiria said.
Paul said Customs was on a drive to either build or buy houses and flats throughout the country for its officers before the close of accounts this year.
“So far we have already purchased two properties in Madang and are on the verge of securing other properties in other parts of the country as well.”