Madang lacks road checks

THE lack of regular police checks on unroadworthy vehicles in Madang has led to an increase in the number of accidents on the road.
Provincial police commander Anthony Wagambie Jr admitted this on Wednesday.
 The increase was due to a shortage of manpower in the province, thus, regular police checks were not being carried out.
Snr Const Gunther Baso said the need for police personnel provided as security during the William Kapris criminal trial in Madang has taken manpower away from activities like road checks.
“Yes, we are supposed to be conducting roadblocks.
“But at the moment, manpower is stretched and we need more manpower to do all that we must do.
“Police reservists are at hand but we only have two or three and we need at least 10 or more,” he said.
Seen around Madang are many vehicles with a lot of defects.
Some drivers are getting away with drinking and driving around town.
As a result of the lack of road blocks, alcohol is easily smuggled into town despite the imposed ban.