City time-bomb

NCD police overpowered by influx of people

 

By THOMAS HUKAHU

 

The National Capital District is sitting on a law and order time bomb, The National reports.

This warning came from the city’s top policeman, metropolitan commander Supt Fred Yakasa.

Yakasa said the increasing number of people moving into Port Moresby from other centres, and from overseas, was presenting a major problem to them and was really stretching them.

“NCD police need more support to manage law and order problems in the city.

“We lack resources and manpower and need urgent help,” Yakasa said.

He was speaking as city residents came to terms with another brutal killing, this time a premeditated murder of a first-year law student at the University of Papua New Guinea.

Yakasa said where there were more people moving about in a place, there was bound to be more problems.

He said police were doing all they could but they could only stretch so much. And, that was the case with Port Moresby.

“Our situation is not helped with the absence of reserve police personnel, a task force or a dog unit. All these must be looked at seriously to help us do proper policing of the city.

“I know the department’s executive management team is trying hard to assist my men, but I think our politicians must also see the realities and assist police in their work to maintain law and order in the city,” Yakasa added.

He also thanked community leaders who had worked tirelessly in their communities to resolve problems at their level.

Yakasa said: “I really appreciate those leaders. It is very encouraging to hear of leaders like that who are helping to maintain law and order in their communities.”

Law and order was everybody’s problem, not just the police, he added. 

Yakasa also appealed to the public to respect the rule of law and, under no circumstances, take the law into their own hands.

Port Moresby city’s population is estimated to be around 450,000, although some government authorities said the number could be as high as 600,000 due to a high influx of people, especially from the highlands, in recent years.

The increase in population was placing a stress on utility and service providers for electricity, water and sewerage.

A national census due to start this year to determine the country’s population, and the population in towns and cities like Port Moresby, had been put off due to lack of funding by the national government.