Police: Do not disturb roadwork

By GLORIA BAUAI
LAE Met Supt Chief Insp Chris Kunyanban has warned residents along roads undergoing upgrades not to interfere with work.
He issued the warning to those along the section from the University of Technology gate to Igam Barracks following damage to machinery belonging to contractor JV PNG.
“This project is of national interest and nobody will suppress it unless they have a court order to do so,” Chief Insp Kunyanban said.
The incident followed an altercation between ward four councillor Jacob Maragau and JV PNG road supervisor Moale Goro.
Chief Insp Kunyanban said Maragau had made some remarks about the road, and later when reversing his vehicle, allegedly ran into a PNG JV employee although it was deemed not serious.
“That triggered an argument between the councillor and the road supervisor and led to Maragau’s assault,” he said. “Maragau called his relatives for back up and the fight got bigger.”
Chief Insp Kunyanban said police collected statements from both sides and on Friday, charged Maragau with two traffic offences and employees of JV PNG, Moale Goro and Benjamin Pillia, with assault.
Both parties were released on bail.
Meanwhile, Chief Insp Kunyanban said the construction company had been requested to continue work.
“If it means police will provide 24-hour security, we will because this project is a national project and it will benefit not only the community but the business houses there as well,” he said.
Lae MP and Physical Planning Minister John Rosso condemned the actions saying any issue should be settled in a civilised manner.
“You’ve complained about these roads for 20 years and now that it’s here, take responsibility and look after your contractor,” he said.