Customs operating understaffed: Commissioner

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, November 29, 2015 (PNG)

WITH just below 400 officers, Papua New Guinea Customs, is operating way below its ability to provide optimum border security, trade facilitation, and revenue collection according to Customs Commissioner Ray Paul.

He made the remarks when speaking to the media and stakeholders at a workshop hosted by the Investment Promotion Authority.

With 380 staff the frontline agency called for more support from other line agencies to monitor the movements of cargo over land and maritime borders.

“We try our best to do what is required of us to facilitate legitimate trade and movements of people,” Commissioner Paul said.

“With only 380 people at the border we can’t do it we need your support. We have a big challenge as we speak with a lot of cargo moving across the border.”

“Our biggest threat at the moment is through the northern corridor. We have a lot of cargo coming through there and we are trying our best and it is not getting any better because all our people are very much involved with it.”

He acknowledged the strong support from discipline forces in police and defence.

“There are a lot of operations we conduct along the border as well- it is a risky job and we are thankful to police and the defense force for their support for our job.”

“Yes we are understaffed and we have ceiling to achieve- we need more people in the business to help us progress our intension.”

“We are operating at about 60% to 65% of staff required, but the amount of work that we get to achieve in a month stands at about 76%,” he added.

Mr Paul pointed out that once fully staffed, the organization would need addition people to work.

“Considering the borders of the country which are pretty open yes we will need more people to work.”