RPNGC TO BUILD NEW HOUSES FOR OFFICERS ACROSS NATION

THE Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) will rehabilitate and build new police accommodation across the country with main objective to improve living conditions for police personnel, boost their morale, and attain positive work results.

This was the remarks from Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Administration, Dr Philip Mitna, at the ground breaking ceremony for ten (10) new duplexes at Mirane barracks in Chimbu Province, yesterday (Friday, 31st January).

DCP Mitna said the Constabulary will build new houses because much of its existing barracks infrastructure assets across the country were in a dilapidated state, which is one of the primary hinderance to the government initiative is land ownership issues.

However, Dr Mitna added that landowner issues in the likes of dealing with customary land poses significant challenges to the Force.

“We are ambitious but we are also disappointed after encountering some customary land owner issues along the way,” Dr Mitna said.

“The alternative option is to demolish the old and existing houses and construct new buildings.

“The RPNGC is deeply grateful for the vision and foresight of the Marape and Rosso government for allocating direct funding through the Special Police Assistance Program (SPAP), to build and rehabilitate police accommodation throughout the country.

“We will rehabilitate and build according to the RPNGC standardised building designs, which include brick and steel so the infrastructures can withstand the elements of nature and last for many years, which subsequently minimises maintenance.”

Dr Mitna said policemen and policewomen deserve to live in new improved barracks accommodation so they can reciprocate the good gesture by putting more effort and commitment into their duties and responsibilities.

“The biggest challenge affecting the RPNGC is the police to population ratio. As we continue to increase police numbers through recruitment, we are concurrently focused on improving living conditions, adequately resourcing and properly attiring our members.

“We have embarked on these programs, much of them would not be possible if it were not for the direct government funding through SPAP.”

Mirane police barracks is significant for two reasons and these includes the land ownership was not an issue, and more importantly, the buildings represent the standardized building designs for the RPNGC.

Chimbu is the first province to pilot the H65 on slab duplex as per the RPNGC standardized building designs.

The ground breaking ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Regional Operations Samson Kua, Simbu Governor Noah Kool, CEO of the Provincial Health Authority Dr Ken Kassi, Gerald Philip representing the business community, and community leaders including other dignitaries.