By JAMES KILA
A GROUP of ex-convicts in the Eastern Highlands provincial capital Goroka has formed a group to start up a project to create informal sector business activities as well as eradicate criminal activities and maintain peace and good order in the town.
The group calling itself anti-crime campaigners is spearheaded by team leaders from urban settlements in the periphery of the town, who once were ring-leaders in criminal activities such as armed robberies, break and enter and other serious crimes.
According to the spokesman of the group, Major Froggie, the anti-crime campaign is an initiative of the ex-convicts who are changing their ways and want to contribute meaningfully to society.
Mr Froggie said the project is aimed at weeding out criminal activities through mass awareness and participation by the youths.
He said a few of the team leaders are still serving time in jail but had indicated to support the project upon their release from prison.
He said the anti-crime campaign project would cover youths from urban settlements within Goroka town areas, especially Genoka, Piswara, Banana Block, Six Mile and other settlements near the town.
He added that the group had submitted a proposal to the EH law and justice secretariat to assist them.
Mr Froggie said some of the activities the anti-crime campaign group intends to undertake include awareness concerning law and order, child and drug abuse, domestic violence, STI/HIV AIDS and good governance.
Furthermore, the group would also undertake to facilitate in creating community-based employment such as poultry, upholstery, mini-canteens in the settlement and other areas related to informal sector business.
Mr Froggie said the group was also looking at advocating for permanent employment for his reformed members with concerned authorities both in private and public sectors.