Call for more police officers

 By SHIRLEY MAULUDU

POLICE in Moro, Kutubu, are doing all they can to maintain law and order problems at the oil and gas projects impact area, police station commander Edward Aupong says.

He said with the liquefied natural gas project to reach its peak with the first export expected next year, there was an influx of people into Moro trying to take advantage of the spin-off benefits from the project.

“Given the oil and gas projects in the area, there is influx of people moving into Moro from Mendi, Nipa and Poroma,” Aupong said.

He said people smuggled drugs and alcohol into Moro, even though there was an alcohol ban in the project area. 

“Given the road link from Kikori to Kutubu, people smuggle illegal substances into Moro,” Aupong said. 

He said there were 11 police officers stationed at Moro to deal with law and order issues in the area. 

There are 39 reserves who provide security at the oil heads in areas, including South-East Mananda and Moran.

Aupong said Oil Search Limited had arranged to bring in additional police mobile units from Port Moresby and Mendi to be based in Moro on a three-month rotation programme. 

“However, as a result of the liquefied natural gas and oil projects, there is increase in crime rate, thus, demanding the need for an increase in security personnel to be stationed at Gobe and resources area of Pimaga,” Aupong said.

He thanked the company for building the new Moro Police Station administration block.