PNG Customs welcomes budget

National, Normal

PNG Customs Services has expressed satisfaction at its allocation of funds for next year.
Customs Commissioner Gary Juffa said there was a significant increase in funds allocated for Border Security Programmes including the funding of three container scanners to be located at the nation’s two gateway ports, Lae and Port Moresby.
This would enhance community protection and improve trade facilitation significantly, reducing the amount of time for traders and, thereby, reducing the cost of doing business in PNG, Juffa said.
“In addition, the purchase of the scanners will also address revenue leakage and improve detection of contraband harmful to the communities in PNG.
“This year’s Papua New Guinea Customs Services budget submission was based on community protection and trade facilitation efforts. PNG Customs Services received a total of K57 million for 2011. This amount includes K35 million specifically for the Customs container scanning project,” Juffa said in a statement.
He also commended Treasurer Peter O’Neill for allowing an amendment to the Customs Act, which would allow PNG Customs Services to charge and retain services fees to clients and retain a portion of penalties applied to errant companies and individuals and to retain a portion of sales of seized goods.
“The funds maintained will be used to ensure that PNG Customs Services maintains a constant and consistent sense of readiness in protecting PNG’s communities and fund enforcement operations in a timely manner, responding to threats and border security issues with its rapid response units in a timely manner and fund joint interagency operations to secure PNG’s borders.”
Juffa said the funds would also be used to ensure staff housing and their welfare.