Youths take charge

Lae’s Top Town has enjoyed a cleaner and safer bus stop for almost a year, thanks to Kumul Metropolitan Ventures and Services (KMVS).
KMVS is a group of volunteer young men who live around Lae Urban, including local Ahi and other parts of Lae.
The group was founded about a year ago by Eric Elizah to engage young men as bus stop guardians. Elizah said the rise in petty crimes, vandalism and defacing of property and constant harassment on people passing through, especially women and young girls, prompted this initiative.
“I thought, why not bring together the youths who are at home doing nothing to take care of this area,” he said.
“The bus stop is central, where people pass through every day and they must do so safely without being scared.
“Most of the youths I engage had at some point been involved in such activity, causing security concerns.
“They are now taking ownership by cleaning up, doing beautification work and just being on the lookout to help anyone who needs help during their transit through here.
“We are not trying to overstep any boundaries, we want to do our part as local citizens,” Elizah said.
Through an understanding with the Lae Metropolitan Police Command, a “unity tent” had been set up at the bus stop area as their base from which Elizah manages about 20 young men daily.