By ORCHY REX
The National Capital District Commission (NCDC) has launched a K20 million CCTV surveillance project that will provide 24/7 city-wide monitoring, transforming policing and security operations in the nation’s capital ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
The project, co-funded with K15 million from the National Government and K5 million from NCDC, will see the rollout of hundreds of CCTV cameras across Port Moresby, supported by a newly established Command and Control Center. The system will use artificial intelligence (AI) to detect movement, conduct facial recognition, and automatically shift screens to incidents requiring attention.
NCD Governor Powes Parkop said the project is a historic step towards modernizing the city and ensuring safety during the Golden Jubilee.
“Since 1975, when the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare and his government decided that Port Moresby would be our capital, this city has played a very vital role in the progress of our nation,” Mr Parkop said.
“But as much as it has been an asset, it has also been a liability, promoting violence and crime. That must change. Port Moresby has to be the inspiration and the good image of our people and our country.”
“On the eve of our 50th anniversary, we are putting all effort into making sure the city is safe and secure. Nearly 200 cameras will be operational before Independence Day to support our police and ensure a peaceful celebration.”
Prime Minister James Marape, who officially launched the project, praised NCDC leadership and staff for fast-tracking the rollout despite procurement delays.
“We do make commitments and policies, but it takes hardworking people behind the scenes to make it happen. I want to thank the City Manager, the Governor, and the NCDC team for getting the work done,” PM Marape said.
“This is your asset, police. The cameras are your eyes in the city, enough of talking, now arrests must take place where and when crimes happen.”
“Port Moresby belongs to those who want to live peacefully. If you choose violence, this camera is now the tool that will lead police to uproot you.”
The Prime Minister also announced an immediate allocation of funds to expand correctional facilities to match the city’s crime-fighting efforts.
“Commissioner, right after this, go and find the CIS Commissioner. I have K20 million available right now to build a new holding facility at Bomana for all offenders,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner of Police for NCD Benjamin Turi welcomed the initiative, saying it would make policing more effective with limited resources.
“With this technology, we can manage resources better. Our rapid response units will wait for alerts from the Command Center instead of patrolling aimlessly, saving fuel and time,” ACP Turi said.
“This is technology we have missed for too long. It will make the job easier for police officers and improve safety for everyone in the city.”
“We have given instructions to every station commander to ensure all suburbs are free from ethnic violence and alcohol-related issues during the Independence celebrations.” City Manager Ravu Frank said the project is part of NCDC’s broader vision to modernize the capital city.
“This is another perspective of modernizing the city. The CCTV program will help us a lot in terms of information sharing, law and order, and municipal services,” Mr. Frank said.
“About 30 to 40 cameras will come online soon, and once they are active, we will officially launch the system. Technology is here, the infrastructure is here, and we are ready to roll this out.”
The system will integrate more than 100 existing cameras already installed across locations such as Gordons, Waigani, Boroko, Koki, and Erima with new ones being installed under the two-phase project.
NCDC will also take responsibility for ongoing operational costs such as water and power bills for the center.