By: Sharon Engnui
In line with the recent court hearing last Friday , a newspaper article in August of this year, quoted John Ovia the Head of Momase and Eastern Highlands region as saying that Vandalsims of Telikom PNG cables is a challenge that the company faces in the Momase region. This challenge however is a national issue that is costing Telikom PNG a lot of money in damage property and business.
A Cable Vandal has been sentenced to 3 years in Bomana prison with 3 years light labor, in Port Moresby recently for the crime.
This decision was handed down last Friday morning by the Judge who wishes to remain anonymous at the Juvenile Grade 5 Criminal Court in Port Moresby.
The accused stands charge between the 6th and 7th of October this year where he willfully and unlawfully destroyed the communication telephone cables belonging to Telikom Limited.
The judge Interview with the management of Telikom PNG revealed the damages assessed are at a total cost of K6 million as furnished in the Pre-Sentence Report. Further, the area where the cables were cut have been out of telecommunication services and is unknown when services will be installed.
The judge when handing down the decision highlighted that she is aware that this is happening because there are buyers of cans and scrap metals.
The cans are collected, recycled and then sold, and with that concern is that cable wires are not easily accessible or available as opposed to the can tins thus obviously one has to steal the cable to sell.
The Judge then made a proposition to the Government to seriously look into the buying of copper wires and cables and ban the companies engage in this activity Highlighting that It is sad and an eyesore having street lights being removed of the wires that produce lights and now standing idol and Telecommunication cables are cut up disrupting communication and essential services.
The judge further added that we all have a duty to protect public assets and properties because we contribute as taxpayers to the Government.
