By GABRIEL KATUHO
PROVIDING security in the National Capital District remains a challenge, which needs collaborative efforts from everyone, says National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop.He said the population in the city is big compared to the police manpower and as a result the security challenge remains a major concern.
Parkop urged the National Government and the Internal Security Minister to do something about this. “We are relying on a police force that is under-resourced and underfunded — stretched to the limit — and yet we expect them to deliver safety and security,” he said.“Our policeman and women are working in a difficult condition. We have to do all we can to support them.”NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silver Sika, while acknowledging Governor Parkop’s call, shared similar sentiments.He said dealing with crime in this era is tough without resources and that policing must become everybody’s business.
Parkop and Supt Sika made theremarks during the presentation of seven new vehicles to police in the Moresby-South electorate.The presentation was held at Kaugere Stadium last Saturday.“It’s important for us to address how we manage those resources,” Supt Sika said. “We want these vehicles to remain as they are — well-kept and managed. “Maintain your integrity when you are delivering services.” He said anyone who dented the vehicles would be dismissed and charged as a criminal.
“Let’s take pride in what we have been given as it comes with conditions, our character, attitude,” Supt Sika said.“I will be monitoring the Moresby South district police.“We are providing critical support to police men and women to help them deliver services to the people.”The vehicles were funded by the Office of NCD Governor and Moresby South Electorate at a cost of K1.1 million through the Kina Initiative introduced by the Police Department to purchase the vehicles.Badili Police Station Commander Obert Jerry said there were hotspots identified in areas including Koki, Sabama, 2-Mile, Kaugere and Joyce Bay that lacked police presence and these vehicles will be allocated to those hotspot areas.
“We will place our policemen there permanently so that police visibility is maintained in Moresby South,” he said.Jerry is appealing to the people to work with the police and look after the vehicles. “We want to make sure that our city is safe and sound. “This is why we have this vehicle to make sure your response time to complaints and emergencies is immediate,” Tkatchenko said.
