by Bethanie Harriman – EMTV, Lae
PMV bus operators in Lae have stopped their services, after continuously being victims to criminal elements in Bumayong.
Operators from the Western Highlands, met with members of the Provincial Executive Council to have their problems addressed where buses are being torched and windscreens stoned.
The halt of services by buses has greatly affected the people and businesses.
A concerned citizen and pmv commuter, Madeleine Tora, said it isn’t safe to walk the streets, when buses aren’t operating.
Western Highlands bus owner, Sammy Tememiel who has been running his bus service for the last 30 years, spoke at today’s meeting with provincial executive council members.
He explained that PMV buses have been torched, stoned and crew members assaulted.
Other Western Highlands leaders also gave their views, there sentiments similar. They wan’t some level of understanding from the Morobean community.
Bus-related crimes include that of the Morobean Lutheran Pastor stabbed and thrown out the window of a bus.
Morobe Provincial Law and Order Chairman, Ali Hetuke explains that there isn’t enough money to contain Lae’s crime problems.
He says peace and good order committees in Lae’s settlements aren’t functioning.
“We don’t have the money to support the programs,” says Hetuke.
The strike by pmv bus operators has brought mounting pressure on the PEC to decide what to do with the petition being handed to them today.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=a5gbmKwgMC8%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
