Wewak town police station needs funding for maintenance

By GYNNIE KERO
MAINTENANCE needed for the Wewak town police station requires funding and that still has to be found even though the deadline has gone past, according to Police Commissioner Gari Baki.
Responding to The National on its current poor state, Baki said the station was among others in the country that had been condemned.
He said he had received word that the Wewak police station was recently condemned by health authorities.
Located in the heart of Wewak town, the air is often polluted with strong stench of urine and human waste disposed through tiny windows in the three holding cells.
Toilets and basins at the station are also not useable by the officers.
Wewak station commander Chief Sergeant John Hasimani said: “The station is not fit for human habitation.
“We had been given three weeks to shut down but we have already gone past (continue using the station) that. The station has been condemned. We are still keeping people in custody to appear in court.
“We need to have a new structure in place to address the poor sanitation and overcrowding.”
Baki said he was yet to get a full report of the situation.
“And we are looking at ways to address them but it all depends on the funding and how much funding is budgeted for maintenance.
“So depending on the availability of funds, we will see what we can do,” Baki said.
Meanwhile, East Sepik police commander Robert Gesa has been replaced by Albert Belly. Baki said Gesa had reached retirement age and had to be relieved by Belly.