Mumu: Safety and security vital in transport sector

Caption: Secretary Mumu

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, October 6, 2013 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

THAT was the stern message from the Secretary for Transport Roy Mumu to all transport industry modes with a warning also to PMV and Taxi operators in Port Moresby, last week at the department’s head office in NCD.

Secretary Mumu emphasised the importance of safety and security under his leadership will not be compromised by the department.

Since assuming office seven months ago- the Department of Transport under the leadership of Secretary Mumu, have launched the National Transport Strategy, begun the delivery of Highlands Highway Rehabilitation projects, and currently in the process of setting up the new Road Traffic Authority.

“All the operators, whether it’s in aviation maritime or land transport, as long as I’m secretary we will not compromise safety and security- whether they like it or not we have to ensure that our travelling public feel secure.”

“When they decide to board a plane, it must meet safety standards, when they decide to board a PMV it must deliver them to their destinations safely, when they decide to board a boat or a ship it must deliver them to their destination safely.”

He said that proposals to approve ships, trucks, or aircraft must meet all the requirements

Mumu told his management team that the industry was aware, as they have received letters from key divisions about strict safety standards- working with authorities like the National Maritime Safety Authority and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.  

“The new Road Traffic Authority that will ensure that all road traffic operations and regulations and legislative requirements must be under one structure arrangement.”

“I’m encouraged by the comments that are coming in now, with four days left till the deadline to receive comments.”  

“I’ve talked to the taxi an PMV operators in Port Moresby that their illegal operations has a deadline.”

“The day will come that we will ensure they follow rules.”

He also highlighted the lack of enforcement in the regulating bodies and challenged them to step up, which he said was what the Department stands for.