Landowners block road due to slow police work

A GROUP of landowners at Koiari, Central blocked off a road on Tuesday because police were too slow in investigating a K10 million payment made on the Rouna dam.
Central police commander Laimo Asi, pictured, confirmed yesterday that the Sogeri Road was closed.
Asi said the group had lodged a complaint with police regarding the payment of the K10mil to a group for the dam at Sogeri.
“The group alleged that many landowners did not receive their shares from the K10mil and that the money was used by only some people,” he said.
Asi said the police Fraud Squad was investigating the matter.
“The frustrated landowners blocked the road on Tuesday night calling on police to fast-track the investigations,” he said.
Asi said the road block was cleared around noon yesterday after the landowners were assured by the Fraud Squad director that they were investigating the case.
He also said that blocking of road was illegal and people who blocked roads were breaking the law and could be charged.
“However, I understand where they are coming from and although their reasons may be genuine, they have to follow the proper processes and not block a public road,” he said.