Wong to present report on guns

By HELEN TARAWA
POLICE Minister Jelta Wong will present to Parliament from today his ministerial statement covering a parliamentary committee report on gun ownership, which is expected to start a lively debate, James Marape says.
The Leader of Government Business and Finance Minister told The National that much of the parliament business for the week would be ministerial statements.
“Some of our key ministers responsible for focus programmes of the O’Neill Government include public works, procurement on local content, gun ban by police minister and the 100-day plan,” Marape said.
“Works Minister Michael Nali will present his departmental and ministerial statement on the state of the infrastructure nationwide, especially in light of natural disasters affecting certain parts of the country.”
Marape said he would be presenting ministerial statement on the procurement process, especially giving preference to local contractors.
Wong’s statement on banning guns or gun ownership is expected to highlight whether there should be a total ban imposed.
The parliamentary committee chaired by former Goroka MP Bire Kimisopa had produced a report highlighting the ownership of guns in the hands of citizens.
Marape said Treasurer and Deputy Prime Minister Charles Abel would be making a statement on the Government’s 100-day plan.
Abel confirmed that he would be presenting the plan mainly on the final budget outcome report for 2017.
“We will also be bringing in a bill to amend the Mineral Resources Authority Act,” Marape said.
He said the parliament session would continue until Friday.