Venues yet to be paid for: Aua

By PATRICIA KEAMO
THE Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation is yet to receive any government payments for the use of its venues for Coronavirus (Covid-19) operations, says venue management manager David Aua.
He told The National yesterday that the revenue generated from the venues’ usage assisted their operations, including paying staff salaries.
Aua said the closure of two of its biggest venues had affected their operations all year.
“The Government and Health Department have not paid us yet for the use of the Rita Flynn Indoor Complex and the Taurama Aquatic Centre,” he said.
“We have suffered from the closure of our two main venues.
“Some form of payment would assist us to continue the maintenance of our venues. Sports that use our venues have also suffered because they do not have a proper place to train or host their competitions.”
With international events coming up next year, including the Pacific Mini Games and the Commonwealth Games, national athletes will need proper facilities for their preparations.
Sir John Guise Stadium is the only major facility that is operating and houses the foundation’s High Performance Sport PNG, among other parties.
“We want Rita Flynn (released) back to us as soon as possible,” Aua said.
“This is a discussion we are trying to have with the Health Department and the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority, through the Office of the Foundation Chief Executive, Albert Veratau.
“We have suffered long enough and common sense should prevail.”
Meanwhile, Aua said the foundation’s sports precinct would be closed for the festive season.
But if there are bookings and there’s a need for the use of the venues then we will assist,” he said.