By SAMANTHA ROGER- UPNG Journalism Student
THE National Capital District Governor Hon Powes Parkop has launched The City Warden Initiative, an intervention program in response to rising crime rates and serious safety concerns in the city.
The initiative aims at enhancing public safety at critical transit points throughout the city.
“Enough is enough we are going to turn it around and give security, safety and confidence back to the residence of our city in all levels including visitors, tourist and business people,” Parkop said.
The first phase of this initiative involves 150 youths that have undergone two weeks intensive induction and a three-day specialized skills training and will be deployed to Boroko and Gordons precinct to serve as the eyes and ears of frontline police officers to maintain peace, safety, and security in public areas.
“We want to assure the city residents that we are not coming up with some theory or try something that might or might not work no we mean business,” Parkop said.
NCDC will provide the necessary support to assist Police, Road Traffic Authority (RTA) and community leaders including logistics such as vehicle and fuel, ensuring no room for unethical behavior and regain control in public spaces.
The standard operating procedures for the NCD wardens included; making their presence known in public spaces; monitoring public movement; discoursing illegal vending; providing security for women, girls and other vulnerable individuals and addressing unethical behavior in public space.
City Manager Ravu Frank said the wardens will work with the police.
“And if you do your job honestly there are other initiatives that the NCDC and board can later reveal,” he said.
Frank also appealed to all citizen in both the formal and informal sector to uphold and live by the laws of the city.
Meanwhile, Parkop called for support from all Members of the Parliament especially the Prime Minister Hon James Marape and Ministers to work together and make Port Moresby safe again.
