Friday 10 May 2024
Minister for Police, Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jnr. accompanied by RPNGC Commissioner, David Manning (left) and PNG-Australia Policing Partnership Commander, Jamie Strauss (right), at the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday (Thursday 9 May). (photo: Police Media).
A groundbreaking ceremony took place yesterday (9 May) at the Gordon’s Police Barracks in Port Moresby, signaling a new housing infrastructure for the Royal Papua New Guinea Police Constabulary.
The Minister for Police, Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jnr. accompanied by Police Commissioner, David Manning, and PNG-Australia Policing Partnership Commander, Jamie Strauss, broke ground for the new police housing.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Tsiamalili said building and restoring infrastructure is a cornerstone in the reform of the RPNGC.
“As this government trains a record number of new recruits in the coming years, and steps up training for our current police men and women, we must deliver the infrastructure they need to do their jobs.”
“This includes the upgrade and modernisation of police stations, operational facilities including communications equipment, and very importantly, increasing better police accommodation.”
Mr Tsiamalili Jnr. said, upgrading of the existing and building new infrastructure would expand the Police Force to be more effective in preventing crime.
The new police housing at Gordon’s Barracks is being constructed as part of PNG’s policing partnership program with the Australian Government, including new police accommodation in ten provinces at a cost of almost K100 million.
The police accommodation in the ten provinces are being funded in partnership with Australia, while the PNG Government will fund Police housing in the remaining 12 provinces including Bougainville.
“This infrastructure strengthening is across multiple sectors from education, to transportation, healthcare and of course law and order.”
He added, strengthening of public safety and security is at the heart of rebuilding the economy and nation building.
“When our police do not have functional places to sleep at night and enjoy their leisure time, this undermines their moral and job performance.”
“Our government will continue to restore police infrastructure to what it was in decades past, and this will have a positive impact on enhancing law and order in our Papua New Guinea.”