Madang welcomes New Year peacefully

By DOROTHY MARK
MADANG town residents welcomed the New Year without any major incidents, except for a few street fights at New Town which police brought under control quickly, provincial police commander Ben Neneo says.
“Overall, Madang was peaceful during the New Year,” he said, adding that most people celebrated indoors.
“There were noises of fireworks everywhere in town as part of the celebrations, but after that the place was quiet.”
Modilon Hospital reported treating patients who received injuries during fights while celebrating but no deaths.
Before the New Year operation began, Neneo told police officers to improve on their performances and adjust to developments in the province. He said many officers were not committed to police duties.
Neneo said challenges police faced last year were criminal matters where witnesses refused to come forward with information to prosecute offenders.
He said hundreds of cases were not dealt with because of no witness statements.
The closure of Jomba Police Station was major setback to policing in Madang.
Neneo said the Madang Chamber of Commerce and Industry assisted police to order a part of the main pump to the old cell block, which would be fitted within few weeks.
He said they also ordered septic pipes for the new cell for women and juveniles.