Goldie Barracks Crisis: K20 million road ‘missing,’ medics borrowing supplies
The government is facing tough questions over the disappearance of K20 million intended for the access road to the Goldie River Training Depot, while soldiers and their families are reportedly forced to borrow basic medical supplies to survive.
Hiri-Koiarai MP Keith Iduhu sparked a heated exchange in Parliament today, demanding to know why four consecutive budget cycles since 2022, each allocating K5 million, have failed to produce a visible road for the 7-kilometre stretch.
Iduhu questioned the Minister for Defence on the transparency of the K20 million total appropriation, on the road which is the primary phase for the country’s military recruits, remains in a state of decay.
"There has been very little seen on that road since 2022," Iduhu told Parliament. "I ask the Minister to address why and how these funds… have been expended or appropriated, and the road is not even seen."
In response, Defence Minister Dr. Billy Joseph admitted the road is in very bad shape but suggested the responsibility lay elsewhere.
"Every year, there has been budget allocated, but the road has not been done," Dr. Billy said.
He said a contract had been issued by the Department of Works and Highways within the last six months, and would be checking his Department and the Minister for Works to find the exact status of the missing funds.
The road wasn't the only concern raised as Iduhu presented a grim picture of life inside the barracks, revealing that the Commanding Officer at Goldie River Training Depot had reached out to his office in desperation.
According to Iduhu, the facility lacks an ambulance, leaving soldiers’ wives and mothers struggling to reach Port Moresby for healthcare. Furthermore, he claimed basic medical supplies have deteriorated badly that the base is borrowing from other military facilities.
Dr. Billy, a medical doctor by profession, acknowledged the systemic failures within the Defence Force’s medical department.
"As a doctor, I have realized that we really need to improve," the Minister said.
He announced that the government has ordered four new ambulances to address the mobility crisis. One ambulance is earmarked for Goldie River, one for Lae, and one for Highlands operations.
While the Minister committed to ensuring drugs and equipment reach the depots, the mystery of the K20 million road remains a point of contention for the Hiri-Koiarai MP and the families of the PNGDF.