FIVE new duplexes built by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (PNGC) with government funding were commissioned on Monday (02/08/26) at Laeās Bumbu Barracks, in Morobe Province.
Chief of the Northern Division, Commander Peter Guinness, represented the Commissioner of Police, David Manning, to cut the ribbon signifying the completion of this much-anticipated project.
Commander Guinness, one of the two longest-serving officers still serving in the Constabulary, said the new accommodation duplexes were built by the government through the Special Police Assistance Program to help police families settle into their new homes.
Commander Guinness thanked the Marape-Rosso Government and the RPNGC Executive team under the leadership of Commissioner David Manning for building the duplexes in Lae.
“Lae City is the second largest city in the country and is the gateway to the countryās economic corridor.
We have a big international wharf responsible for the docking of ships and the passage of cargo from Lae into the Highlands Region, making the work of police critically important. It is therefore fitting for the PNG Government and
the RPNGC Executive to ensure that members of the Lae Metropolitan Police are adequately accommodated so they can perform their duties with commitment, loyalty and dedication,” Commander Guinness said after officiating at todayās official opening.
Commander Guinness said the Constabulary is also embarking on recruitment and some new pass-outs will be deployed into Morobe Province. He said the Constabulary will have to build more houses from here onward to accommodate the increase in police manpower.
“In a nutshell, we are seeing tangible development delivered by the PNG Government in all social and economic sectors and, as such, police services in Lae City and the whole of Morobe Province must also align with these changes,” he said.
The newly constructed Nadzab International Airport and the road infrastructure between the airport and Lae City are indicative of the growth happening in the province.
From a wider perspective, he said, the government funding channeled through SPAP is aimed at complementing the development and changes taking shape in Lae and Morobe Province.
“We are seeing growth, but we must also take care of the welfare of public servants. A proper home for members of the Constabulary will inspire them to recommit themselves to their constitutional duties and obligations,” Commander Guinness said.
The Commander also thanked the Australian Federal Police, the Morobe Provincal Administration and Lae City Authority for supporting the work of Police in the Province.
Through the PNG / Australia Policing Partnership Program, the AFP is building a new armory in Lae and converting a double classroom into a computer lab. This new facility will provide training for the Northern Division.
A senior official from the Department of National Planning and officials from Police Headquarters were also in Lae to witness the opening ceremony.