Police Commissioner, Gari Baki, today appeared in person at Mt Hagen National Court, to assist a Commission of Inquiry for the Banz police cell.
He was summoned by the Chair of the Commission and resident Judge, Justice Godwin Poole, to provide facts relating to the condemnation of Banz cell.
Baki told the Commission that he is aware of the Banz situation. Commissioner Baki admitted in the inquiry that the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary hasn’t done much to change the statues of Banz cell-block, after it was condemned in 2002.
He said there were plans to relocate Banz cell, but nothing was done. Baki also added that the Constabulary priorities projects depending on the availability of funding.
Each year, RPNGC receives K10 to K15 Million funding for basic maintenance for the country.
The Commissioner was told in the inquiry today that Banz cellblock is not up to standard.
There are no books of records and important files are not recorded. There are also no ammunition registries, and no records have been kept.
Baki responded that RPNGC is responsible, but the situation shows the inability of funding.
The commissioner assured the inquiry that before the 2017 National Election; the Constabulary will beef up and restore all the communication systems in Papua New Guinea.
He said all the police stations in the country are facing the same problem as Banz cell.
