Enforce Vagracy Act in Port Moresby

THE country is fighting on multiple fronts, as stated by Police Minister William Onglo, and will continue to do so if the Government fails to implement the Vagrancy Act, which was there since Independence.
Politicians have over years avoided discussing the Vagrancy Act in Port Moresby because they want to protect their interests.
Prime ministers and legislatures in the city have forgotten about the importance of good governance, cleanliness, rule of law and proper service delivery.
Consequently, they are reacting to crisis almost every week.
The Government has not designed and managed a workable plan to activate the Vagrancy Act, which was initially introduced as law to counter criminals and citizens moving around from place to place aimlessly.
Papua New Guinea has a democratic system of government whereby citizens have freedom of movement, making the Act almost obsolete.
The full freedom of movement has resulted in an increase to rural-urban drift and cities are filled with people who do not necessarily contribute to development.
The increase in criminal activities in Port Moresby is the direct result of the Government and National Capital District Commission losing focus on real governance.
Unemployment, squatter settlements and criminal activities were existent well before the coronavirus pandemic.
This, again, was a result of poor governance and mismanagement.
The big talk about tourism seems unachievable, given the influx of people to urban areas and forcing the younger population to resort to crime for survival because there aren’t enough opportunities to make a living.
Tell me, how many people from other countries do you know want to visit Papua New Guinea?
Start by cleaning Port Moresby first and move to other cities and towns.
National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop and Prime Minister James Marape should stop all the talking and start fixing the real issues affecting our people in Port Moresby.
Port Moresby represents Papua New Guinea because it is the capital city. Fund the police force, mobilise manpower and equipment and start coming up with and executing your plans to achieve better outcomes.
Start taking small steps towards addressing the issue.
The starting point is to reintroduce the Vagrancy Act as suggested by the Police Commissioner David Manning.
Stop talking.
Let’s move.

Concern Citizen,
Pom