by Vasinatta Yama – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is looking at addressing housing issues for police officers attached to the Bomana Dog Unit.
Police Commissioner, Gari Baki, wants the Delta Unit to settle properly before preparing for major events such as the 2018 Asia Pacific Economic Communities (APEC) summit.
Up to 10 police officers are currently residing in an old classroom.
In a senior security meeting held last week in preparation for the 2018 APEC summit, Baki confirmed that there were ideas to address police housing.
Under the development budget, there is funding to renovate the Bomana Dog Unit barracks.
The unit specialises in drug, firearms and explosive sniffing, tracking down of offenders and crowd control.
However, because of the conditions that they are living in Baki is now concerned about their health.
Since last November, 10 members from the unit have been living in a classroom, following a conflict between them and the recruits of the Police Training College.
That move highlighted a shortage in accommodation, especially for those who are not married.
Ever since the barracks was built in 1968, there have not been any renovations or new accommodation built.
Meanwhile, just metres away from the unit, there are 150 houses built for police. Construction started in 2014 and was completed in 2015 at a cost of K49 million.
It is understood that these houses haven’t been occupied due to utility issues.
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