B’ville police get new homes

SIX members of the Bougainville police received houses on Friday built at a cost of K1.9 million by the Australian government through the Justice Services and Stability for Development Programme (JSS4D).
Police Commissioner Gari Baki was in Buka on Friday to open and hand over keys to the newly-built police staff houses at Hutjena Police Barracks.
Baki said the buildings reflected the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s determination to build a stronger police service in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
He said such moves would move the constabulary forward in coming years.
The three duplexes containing six units will accommodate six families.
Chief of Bougainville Police Service Francis Tokura said this was not the first time such buildings had been built through this programme and assisted by JSS4D.
Tokura said that over K10 million worth of buildings were built through this program by JSS4D in North, South and Central Bougainville to assist the Bougainville Police Service.
“We should be having more of these buildings to house policemen and policewomen more closer to the police stations where they are working,” he said.
The JSS4D is an aid programme that is conducted by the Australian government.
Counsellor development cooperation of law and justice with Australian department of foreign Affairs and trade, Gina Wilson, said Australian government understood that an effective, credible and accessible Bougainville Police Service would help to foster trust and confidence in the ABG and help rebuild social capital.
She said this was a necessary pre-condition for peace and development.
Secretary for AROB Police Correctional Service and Law and Justice Kernneth Nanei said by continuing to rebuild such infrastructure, “we are raising the awareness that law-and-order is a significant component in improving the lives of the people and provide a safe and secure environment for the people of Bougainville”.
Baki urged the Bougainville Police Service to look after the newly-built houses.
“To the members of the Bougainville Police Service, take care of these properties,” he said.
“Construction is one aspect.
“Maintenance is another.
“ If you policemen and women living in any of this accommodation take care of these properties, they will provide you with all the comforts you need for many years.”