Demolition making mother of six homeless

By Martha Deruage
A MOTHER of six children is among many facing being left without a home as police prepare to demolish their condemned single quarters at the Gordon Police Barracks.
Pauline Beno, from Western Highlands, said she was concerned about the safety and wellbeing of her children because they had nowhere to go.
Beno, wife of a police officer, said she had four sons and two daughters, the eldest being 22 and the youngest 10 months old.
She said families of police officers living there were told to move out yesterday as workers prepare to demolish the barracks.
Beno said they were told to find rental properties.
“Planty pikinini na wages blo papa tu no bikpela. Atin me ba makim sel hause na stap lo hia nau,” said Beno tearfully meaning the father had a lot of children, and was on low wages so they would be looking at a makeshift shelter to live in.
Beno was among other women who said they were not going anywhere but would stay and camp there if they had too.
She said that being homeless, her biggest fear was the safety of her children as she had three young ones to look after.
According to Beno, this was the first time the Papua New Guinea Royal Constabulary had evicted officers with no relocation plans.
About 40 officers and their families are being affected.