By Theckla Gunga – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The head of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Gari Baki, has responded to the lack of transport concerns raised by Malalaua Police in Gulf last month.
Commissioner Baki told EMTV News that he will direct the Southern Divisional Commander to visit the rural command and assess the situation.
He was referring to a news story EMTV ran on the challenges the Malalaua police face in their area of operation.
Particularly when responding to serious criminal offences that occur along the highway linking Malalaua to Port Moresby or Gulf’s provincial capital, Kerema.
“I have watched the video on TV and I am giving an undertaking for the Southern Divisional Commander to visit and assess the situation and from his report, we will look into addressing the transport shortage,” Baki said.
Malalaua is a massive command and police here have recorded an increase in drug smuggling and road accidents.
The command has five regular officers and at least 50 reservists who police the Kerema District.
But while 55 may seem as a big number, Kerema remains a vast district landlocked between Central’s Kairuku Hiri District and the Ihu district of Gulf, it becomes exhausting for the 55.
While this news may come as a relief for Malalaua police, there are other rural commands in Papua New Guinea that face similar challenges in accommodation, transport or the run down police facilities.
