Wagambie sceptical about future

MADANG provincial police commander Supt Anthony Wagambie Jr is sceptical about the future of the country because of the increase in social problems.
Wagambie said he had 90 policemen and women, mostly ageing officers and six run-down vehicles to police for an increasing population.
“Normal police operations become stagnant and the Rapid Response Unit was overused but remains dedicated.
“Increase consumption of homebrew and drugs is a concern in Madang,” Wagambie said.
He said the government had not set proper strategic plans on how to contain law and order before initiating impact projects such as Ramu NiCo, Marengo and Yandera mining and the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone.
He said that applied to all other provinces that faced law and order issues.
“The mining boom lures people to urban centres and most police officers are nearing retiring age so it is critical at times trying to contain law and order,” Wagambie said.
He said members of the Rapid Response Unit in Madang were often sent to Raicoast or Usino-Bundi and elsewhere when the need arose.
“The districts that accommodate impact projects have inadequate police strength to attend to issues and couldn’t do much,” he said.
“These social issues are manageable but needs cooperation.”