Polye says fire risk a threat to investment

PORT MORESBY: Opposition Leader Don Pomb Polye says concerted efforts should be taken by all stakeholders to address fire hazards in the country as it portrays threats for investors.

He said and that the government should take the lead with adequate funding.

Mr Polye’s statement has stemmed from a wave of fire destroying properties worth millions of Kina nationwide in a space of over 24 months with TST Group of companies’ shop in Port Moresby being the latest.

He has challenged Prime Minister Peter O’Neill to adequately fund PNG Fire services as fire risks are a threat to the investment portfolio of the country.

He said with fire risks at hand, downgrading of PNG’s B+ to negative B in the business climate index only makes the situation worse.

“Giving deaf ears or blind eyes to such an important area is a behaviour of an irresponsible government.

“When the Prime Minister is not serious about addressing the capacity issues of the fire services and other related agencies, why giving false hope to the potential investors at several forums he attends overseas,” said Mr Polye.

He has urged the Prime Minister and his Treasury Secretary Dairi Vele to immediately release the funds still owed to the fire services.

“When I was debating on the 2015 Budget, I did say there was a need for annual unforeseen disasters and the Prime Minister and his ministers responsible were laughing away.

“Time has only proven me right and the government was running all over the place in search for funds to manage the dry spell in the country,” said Mr Polye.

Mr Polye said when the Opposition was in power, they would strip off the office of National Disasters from the Department of Inter-government relations and established a separate entity called National Emergency and Disasters Mitigation Council.

He said the council would be responsible for natural disasters, fires, explosions, disease outbreaks, global warming related disasters and other unexpected emergencies of similar nature.

“When we are in government, we will ensure departments and state agencies responsible for fire, disease outbreaks and other natural disasters are well funded with improved capacity,” he said.