The problem in housing police officers in rural districts remains a challenge for the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC). This was said by Police Minister, Robert Atiyafa, in this morning’s parliament session.
The Minister was responding to questions asked by Member for Nuku, Joe Sungi, on the need for senior officers in rural police commands around the country and if there were policies in place to allow this to happen.
Sungi said for his district, the rural police commander was not performing to expectations with several cases of misconduct in office.
“Can I have a police commander that does not drink and misbehave in my district,” Sungi asked.
Minister Atiyafa in response said senior ranked officers can be posted to rural commands, however housing is the number one factor stopping that from happening.
“Housing is the number challenge for the constabulary. We can send senior inspectors to become rural commanders but we need more houses built in those remote areas,” Atiyafa said.
The Minister said the government is committed to delivering services, and police housing is one area the O’Neill-Dion government has invested heavily into over the last 4 years.
