The Department of Petroleum and Energy faces serious capacity issues despite it being the agency tasked with looking after the extractive industry worth billions of kina.
Acting Secretary, Kepsy Puiye, says this has resulted in a lack of efficiency and coherence.
“We have serious issues in terms of our capacity, in terms of our human resources, in terms of infrastructure needs.
“On the other hand, you will find that the industry demands the best or demands a lot from us.
“And they have the right to demand that because they are investing billions of dollars into our country.”
Kepsie said improving their capacity is one of the major dilemmas he currently faces.
(Picture: Acting Secretary DPE, Kepsie Puiye, speaking to PNG EITI Head of Secretariat, Lucas Alkan)