POLICEMEN and women in Moresby South’s Badili police station in the National Capital District were handed the key to newly refurbished accommodation units at an official ceremony on Monday.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member for Moresby South Hon. Justin Tkatchenko MP, officiated at the handover of the K1 million new-look police barracks to NCD Metropolitan Superintendent Silver Sika.
The project was funded by Moresby South District under its District Service Improvement Program. Contractor China Steel’s (CSCE) Chief Executive Officer Jackie Feng and staff hosted the handover ceremany.
The new refurbishments include 22 fully furnished rooms with air-conditioning, new kitchen, outdoor laundry and bathrooms with regular water supply. The building is complete with secure fencing.
Minister Tkatchenko said the police barracks which was built 12 years ago, had deteriorated to the point where was impossible for the policemen and women to live in it, and perform their duties.
“This renovation of the Badili Police Barracks was done so that our police officers can have a proper healthy, safe. conducive place to live in so they can do their work without fear and favour.”
“It’s important that this building was maintained and upgraded. Our police officers don’t have to worry about accommodation issues and can go out and perform their duties for the benefit of safety of our communities in Moresby South.”
“My recommendation and plea to the hierarchy is that we would like to see only Moresby South police officers living in this barracks.”
“Only those that serve Moresby South and the surrounding areas should be living in those barracks.”
“We want to ensure that officers live here and are readily available to attend to the safety and law and order matters of our Moresby South people.”
Met Sup Silver Sika acknowledged Minister Tkatchenko and urged the policemen and women to look after the infrastructure.
“You are privileged to have this accommodation so please take good care of it.”
“Go back to basics where you were trained at Police College to look after where you live and your place of work, and lo be disciplined.”
Chinese Ambassador His Excellency Yang Xiaoguang who was present to witness the ceremony added that China is committed to assist PNG in infrastructure development and the Badili police barracks was among the many.
“We believe that we share many similarities in our development philosophy and we can learn from each other.
“China is committed to help reform PNG and improve the living standard of the people in particular the policemen and women of the Badili barracks.”
“I congratulate the Moresby South District for this initiative to develop this project and I am happy to witness its handover today.”
Mr Feng thanked the partners for providing project support.
“We look forward to continuing this partnership in contributing to the development of this country,” he said.
China Steel’s quality work includes the recently completed Butuka staff residence and Hilton Hotel among others and is currently developing the Sea Park Project at Konebada.
