GEREHU RESIDENTS PRESENT GRIEVANCES TO GOVERNOR PARKOP

By SHARON AGAVI

RESIDENTS of the Gerehu suburb in Port Moresby gathered at St. Pauls Catholic Church over the weekend and presented their grievances to NCD Governor Powes Parkop regarding the development and maintenance of key infrastructures such as classrooms, clinics, churches and police station and also raised law and order concerns in the area.

Representatives from Stages 1-7 of Gerehu raised their concerns referring to various issues including drainage system blockages, the need for better school facilities for St. Paul’s Primary School, street lights, and transportation for the St. Pauls local clinic.

Concerns about supporting students with disabilities was raised by the Inclusive Education Resource Officer from the Callan Services Ms. Valerie Jim, who stressed that students living with speech and sight impairments lack resources for their learning in schools at Gerehu and other inclusive education in NCD.

Governor Parkop acknowledged the grievances and emphasized the importance of community cooperation in addressing these issues.

“I encourage collaboration between you all and us the authorities, to work together to create a better and safer Gerehu for all residents,”

He also urged residents to work together with authorities and highlighted the efforts of the Catholic Services in providing much-needed services to the communities at Gerehu regarding the concerns raised about the inadequate healthcare facilities, especially for the St. Paul’s Clinic in Gerehu Stage 6 area.

The Catholic Church Health Services Health manageress of the Archdiocese of Port Moresby, Sr. Geraldine Arua said St. Paul’s Clinic lacks essential equipment like x-ray machines, the need for an extension to cater for a laboratory and birthing facilities and also staff houses.

She highlighted the need for better transportation for medical supplies, patients and staff transportation, noting incidences where the medical staff being harassed by local youths while walking to the clinic.

Governor Parkop assured residents that their concerns were heard and that efforts were being made to improve the Gerehu area and the wider NCD.