PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape has directed the Police Commissioner to provide an immediate explanation regarding police vehicles expected by Madang Province under an arrangement involving the provincial government and the Police Department.
Responding to a supplementary question from Madang Governor Hon. Ramsey Pariwa in Parliament today, Prime Minister Marape said the National Government had purchased more than 400 police vehicles to strengthen law enforcement across Papua New Guinea.
Governor Pariwa raised concerns over delays in vehicle allocations despite the provincial government’s contribution of approximately K2.4 million towards police resourcing.
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that Madang had contributed funding towards law and order and was entitled to question the outstanding allocation.
“Madang Province, you are entitled to raise this issue,” he said.
The Prime Minister said he had been advised that 30 of an earlier consignment of 60 police vehicles from Japan had already been distributed.
He also acknowledged the policing needs of Lae, describing it as an important centre for customs, business and commerce.
Prime Minister Marape said the National Government had arrangements to complement police vehicles purchased by provincial and district governments, while recognising that demand for police resources remained high throughout the country.
He called on the Police Commissioner to respond immediately to Governor Pariwa’s concerns.
“I think the Police Commissioner is listening.” “If I were him, I would have a response to the member forNMadang Province, Governor of the province, this afternoon,” he said.
“Police Commissioner, if you are tuning in, I get the blame for all the lack of work by people under me.”
“It is your business to respond to this question as soon as possible.”
The Prime Minister said the Police Commissioner should
explain what had happened to the vehicles expected by Madang Province.