WITH the rise of lawlessness in Vadavada settlement where the Goilala people of Central live in Port Moresby South electorate, gives their MP Justin Tkatchenko no hope, but to authorize a mass eviction exercise in the area.
He said this when addressing the Goilala community members on Wednesday June 16 at the Simon Bomai field – two-mile in the presence of National Capital District Governor, Powes Parkop and Kairuku-Hiri MP, Peter Isoaimo.
He said over many years the people in his electorate and the general public who visit the electorate have faced law and order issues by this certain group of people. It is claimed so many people have been attacked and sustained life threatening injuries.
“Currently we have over six people from Moresby South admitted to intensive care unit and in accident and emergency ward at Port Moresby General Hospital. Unfortunately it has been reported that 80 percent of these crimes have been committed by one ethnic group which has caused great grief.
“Our main aim and objective is to remove the criminal objectives and those who harbor criminals in our community,” Tkachenko said.
He further claimed that he has done a lot and have exhausted all other possible avenues to address the lawlessness associated with the people of Goilala in his electorate. This includes engaging law enforcers, negotiating disputes with community leaders and engaging youths through sports and youth development programs.
As an elected leader Tketchenko said this is a very important issue in his electorate and has gone past his sympathy.
“It’s about our people being safe and sound and not living in fear in our own community.”
NCD Governor Powes Parkop who was also there further clarified that “it is not about profiling or discrimination against the people of Goilala as claimed by many people. However it is about lack of leadership provided by the community leaders.
Parkop also supported Tkatchenko saying he wants to weed out the criminals and the people who are harboring the criminals as they are also breaking the law.
He however urged the Goilala community leaders of Vadavada settlement to quickly take ownership of the ongoing issue and approach Tkechenko or his office with practical solutions.
Responding to that a Goilala community leader Joe Kusi shared his sentiments stating that the leaders of Vadavada settlement have done their part but it’s the Law enforcers that are failing.
“I apprehended three suspects and handed them to the police but have not received any feedback for the investigations,” Kusi said.
“I also worked around the clock to get four suspect involved with the recent incident with the Tari and handed them to Boroko police station. But I heard it over the media from you (Tkachenko) that we are not working with you that is hurting me.”
Kusi further claimed that he was also arrested and locked up for 13 hours in NCD Town police cell blocks for whatever reasons he don’t know.
“Which law are we facing, is there two laws, one for the Goilala and the other for PNG?” Kusi asked.
Kusi along with other Goilala people in the Moresby South electorate called on the Police, Tkatchenko and Parkop to also exercise the law and arrest the people involved in the recent killing of a young Goilala along two-mile that was captured on CCTV and was widely circulated on social media.
However they asked if the NCD can engage their youths in city cleaning and or community and bus stop policing to address the issues.
Furthermore, Kairuku MP Isoaimo condemned the lawlessness practices associated with the Goilalas, and encouraged them to form associations and approach his office for assistance to live an honest living in the city.