Image: One of the houses at the opening
Keys of 42 new houses were presented to families of police officers, who were affected as a result of the construction of the Gerehu to 9 Mile road, in Port Moresby.
The presentation marks the start of the relocation process for the affected families.
Once the families move into their new homes, the construction of the Gerehu to 9 Mile road will resume.
These new houses were erected following numerous dialogues between the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, the National Capital District Commission and China Harbour Engineering, the construction company contracted to build the Gerehu to 9 Mile road.
NCD Governor, Powers Parkop explained that the delay would have cost the country K105 million, but fortunately, China Harbour Engineering was contracted to build the houses and that saved the costs.
The new houses are similar to the ones the families will be moving out of and cost NCDC K40 million to build.
Half of that money was paid by RPNGC though the sale of the old houses.
Deputy Police Commissioner Administration, Raphael Hua’folo said the construction of the new road is an important government infrastructure.
They have three bedrooms with ceiling fans, a big kitchen with benches, a spacious living room and a bathroom and laundry area.
Head of NCD and Central commands, Sylvester Kalaut acknowledged NCDC for assisting RPNGC and building the new homes.
The shortage in accommodation for police officers remains a nationwide issue for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.
In 2014, the national government promised to build at least 10 houses for police officers in each district. However, that has not eventuated.
Also in 2014, the national government partnered with Red Sea Housing Estate and constructed 250 houses at Bomana, outside Port Moresby.
Those houses remain vacant to date, due to utility issues.
