Jiwaka locals call on govt to renovate police stations

 PEOPLE in Jiwaka have called on the national government to renovate the police stations at Banz and Minj after they were condemned by health authorities

Banz LLG rules inspector Mek Wamine said the national government, police department or the provincial government must have the two police stations fixed.

He said Jiwaka was a new province and law and order was the key to its future.

“If we have a breakdown in the police force, then it will affect investors, the people and development,” he said.

 “This is a big concern and I’m calling on the Police Minister Nixon Duban, Commissioner Tom Kulunga, Jiwaka Governor Dr William Tongamp and the national government to look into it.

“Last Thursday we witnessed some gunmen open fire in public in Banz in front of the police but what can the police do when they do not have a station?” he said.

He said police in Jiwaka police needed to have the two stations fixed, have additional arms and ammunitions, vehicles and fuel and office equipment.

Jiwaka tribal chief Peter Marang said it was not right to have no police station.

“We need the force in the province to play an active role in maintaining law and order,” he said.

“How can investors come when law and order problem is getting out of hand every day?”

Provincial police commander Supt Simon Nigi said last week that they could not arrest minor offenders because they did not have any cells.

Nigi said major crime offenders were normally takento Mt Hagen which was an expensive exercise.

He said it was a great concern that they had no police station.