Police stations close

By JAMES APA GUMUNO
POLICE stations and barracks in Minj and Banz in Jiwaka have been closed by health authorities.
Provincial police commander Supt Simon Nigi told The National last Friday that the two police stations were closed on March 22.
Nigi said health officials condemned the barracks and stations as unfit and posed a health hazard for residents.
He said despite the stations being closed for maintenance, there was no major crime cases reported in the province.
“I want to thank the people of Jiwaka for cooperating with the police to maintain order and refrain from engaging in criminal activities,” he said.
Nigi said the Jiwaka provincial administration quickly intervened and carried out maintenance work on the two police stations. Work is expected to be completed soon.
He said work began last Tuesday with the cleaning of the cell blocks, clearing of blocked sewage pipes, repainting of the walls and general cleaning up around the stations.
He urged people not to cause disturbances when the national court began its hearings today in Minj.
Nigi said former Anglimp-South Waghi MP Jamie Maxtone-Graham was challenging the Electoral Commission over the burnt regional ballot boxes last year in Banz.
“Anyone trying to cause disturbance during the court proceedings will face the full force of the law,” he said.