By ANDREW ALPHONSE
MEMBERS of the Tari-based Mobile Squad 9 in Southern Highlands are threatening to withdraw their services due to accommodation problems.
They said that 23 of their colleagues had already left the area.
They claimed that there were only 17 members of the unit left in Tari and their withdrawal could pose a severe threat to the ongoing peace and reconciliation process among the different clans in the region.
Local MP James Marabe launched a law and order awareness campaign last month which contributed to a peaceful festive period.
Some members of the squad that totalled 40 initially, and wishing anonymity, said they had been living away from their wives and children since the unit was formed two years ago.
They said that some had brought along their families and were staying at the single officers’ quarters at the Enopi and Homa barracks which posed a severe health risk to the families.
Resource developer Porgera Joint Venture is expected to construct new houses for the members at Enopi and are waiting for a proper land title transfer to the police department.
The landowners were paid K300,000 last year.
The housing project is expected to cost about K3 million.
It is understood that Governor Anderson Agiru and Mr Marabe have been briefed on the housing situation and have promised to look into the matter.
Meanwhile, the commander of the mobile squad, Snr Insp John Iara, was away on assignment and was not available for comments.
The officers have already sent a memo to the Commissioner of Police Gari Baki advising him of their intention to withdraw their services if no action is taken to resolve their grievances by the end of this month.