A total of 23 police probational constables have departed Port Moresby for Hela Province following their recent pass out from Bomana Centre of Excellence.
Since passing out the probational officers have been deployed to various parts of the country and Hela Governor Philip Undialu is glad to accompany the 23 officers, welcoming them with a selfie on an Air Niugini flight to Tari.
“Today, I am on board with 23 additional manpower to support law enforcement in Hela. I welcome them,” Undialu said.
He mentioned that when Hela became a separate province in 2012, they only had 30 officers without a formal structure.
Undialu is satisfied of the improvement in law-and-order initiatives but admitted that there is more work to be done in combating law-and-order issues particularly the National illegal gun amnesty program in the area.
He highlighted that it has taken over four years to build a total of 150 police personnel manpower including 80 new recruits, 30 Mobile Squad members and 30 regular policemen.
“With the first 100 houses we built last year, we will do all it takes to build another 50 to 100 this year to accommodate them,” Governor Undialu said.
He mentioned that Hela Provincial Assembly will endorse a proposal prepared to recruit at least 100 local youths from Hela Province for formal training.
“Just like the training of our MS09 in POM recently, Hela Provincial Government will fully fund the training costs. Our proposal will be sent to Minister Police and Commissioner for Police to approve and implement. We will also endorse Gun Surrender Program as well,” Undialu said.
He is determined to have at least 100 to 150 of the 435 approved positions to be filled by Hela youths.
“Most importantly, I want Hela’s own youths and citizens to take ownership of our new province. Others are here to assist us so let’s welcome them, look after them and move forward,” Governor Undialu concluded.
