Sports Foundation facilities to house Covid-19 operations

THE Rita Flynn Courts and Taurama Aquatic Centre will be used for Covid-19 operations, says Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation (PNGSF) acting chief executive Micah James.
James made it clear that PNGSF’s venue management did not get direct funding from the national budget but rather they generated revenue from venue hire and other sources to sustain their operations.
He said with the closure of sports venues and facilities since April last year, PNGSF stopped generating revenue and had been expecting the authorities to provide funding for the facilities used for Covid-19, however, that didn’t eventuate.
“Those in higher authorities looking after Covid-19 funds must also consider the fact that the welfare of my officers, who are providing necessary support services to Covid-19 operations, is just as important as that of those who we are trying to protect from Covid-19 infections,” James said.
“It is quite costly to manage the operations and we are using the revenue generated from venue hire to sustain operations in terms of staff wages, salaries and turf and pool management.
“Although PNGSF got nothing for providing services for almost 12 months since April last year, we have continue to support Covid-19 operations and we will continue to do so moving forward.”
Meanwhile, James said PNGSF’s pandemic management team had been discussing a pandemic surge plan with the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority.
“We are also in the process of formalising a venue user agreement (VUA) with the National Department of Health that was deferred since April last year.”
Effective as of yesterday, all of PNGSF’s sporting venues have been restricted until the pandemic is under control or when the controller changes or revokes the new measures.