The landowners of Hela Province through the Hela Gimbu Association are calling on the Government to help address the law and order problem in the province.
Hela is faced with law and order issues due to the influx of guns, drugs and alcohol abuse.
Hela Gimbu Association (HGA) deputy chairman Habia Babe said that law and order is out of control with illegal importation of alcohol and drugs due to the beer ban.
Babe said people have access to guns in order to protect themselves as there is no law enforcement in place.
“We call on the government to take drastic action to address the law and order issue for the safety and security of the LNG project and the 2017 National elections.
“We call for full police operation set up in the province as there are not enough police officers to control the problem,” he said.
Babe also called on ExxonMobil to partner with the government for the security of the LNG project.
He added that there’s room for the government to do more as there’s no good governance and the presence of the government system is weak.
“We want to make sure that our people are secure and safe and the LNG project is also secured.”
The association called on the Police Commissioner and Defence Force Commander to take immediate action to ensure the safety of the people and the LNG project including the 2017 elections.