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By SHEILA LASIBORI
THE rebuilding of the Wau police barracks in Morobe province will top
the priority list for the Police Force.
This was the assurance from Police Commissioner Gari Baki and Internal
Security Minister Sani Rambi when they visited the barracks last Friday.
They were accompanied by acting assistant commissioner for Momase Giosi
Labi.
Despite being condemned by the Health Department as unfit for human
habitation in 2001, nine out of the 20 officers, policemen originally
stationed at Wau, still leave at the barracks as they have no place to
live while executing their duties.
An internal memorandum by station commander Insp Allan Gualin on Sept 9
instructed officers and their families to start packing up as the police
management was looking for an alternate accommodation as the barracks
was going to undergo renovation.
Harmony Gold Limited, which aims to make Morobe its base in the Asia
Pacific region, has pledged its support – but only after the Police
Force submits a proposal to its management.
“The company is willing to provide support to other Government agencies
but there must be support,” Harmony Gold’s administration and financial
manager Chris Black said.
The Wau community, which has stood by the nine officers under the
leadership of Insp Gualin, also challenged Mr Baki and Mr Rambi to be
true to their words, and called for their promotions.
“Although the barracks is condemned, these officers are very hard
working. The community needs them,” community’s spokesman Dick Koromeng
said.
The National also went to Wau to asses the condition of the facilities
at the barracks, which was built in 1962.
Most of the houses had crumpled to the ground, while those still
standing would fall apart anytime.
“I will demolish the houses and rebuild them because these houses are
beyond repair. The condition of the officers living here is beyond what
anyone could ever imagine.
“I cannot continue to let my policemen live here,” Mr Baki told officers
and the Wau community.
“There has got to be political will to change all these. If a policeman
lives properly then he will perform his duties well,” Mr Baki said,
adding that families will not be separated at the time the construction
starts.
The families were also encouraged to continue to support the officers
despite living in rundown houses.
 
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