No home yet for new Northern commander

THE unavailability of accommodation in Popondetta is continuing to delay newly-appointed Northern police commander (PPC) Superintendent Michael Welly from taking office, police said.
Popondetta police station commander Senior Inspector Silas Tojune told The National that he and Welly were appointed in March but did not resume duties for about two months.
Tojune said another reason for the delay was the issuing of repatriation warrants, making their travel difficult.
Welly and Tojune were transferred from Tari in Hela where they were provincial and station commander respectively.
Tojune, who has been acting provincial police commander for the past four weeks, said Welly had just arrived in Popondetta.
“Housing is a big problem in Popondetta, particularly for the police officers who were deployed to take office here,” he said.
“I organised a temporary accommodation for Welly so he could work on securing his house before he brings in his family.”
Tojune said businesshouses in Popondetta had closed their doors to the police because of debts.
Tojune said given the tough economic times, hotels and lodges were not allowing any more debts.
“I was appointed in March this year and I waited for about three months before I took office,” he said.
“Right now I’m living in a lodge just outside Popondetta because I also do not have any accommodation.
“Former PPC Chief Inspector Lincoln Gerari who was sidelined last year is still occupying the house so we have to look for an alternative for Welly.
“Gerari is still a current serviceman so he has the right to the accommodation.”