Six members of the Bougainville Police Service are proud recipients of police houses.
Police Commissioner Gari Baki was in Buka on Friday, January 25th, to open and hand over the keys to the newly built police staff houses at the Hutjena Police Barracks.
Commissioner Baki said the buildings reflect the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary’s determination in building a stronger Police Service in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. He said such moves will move the Constabulary forward in the coming years.
The three duplexes containing six units will accommodate six families and was built at a cost of K1.9 million by the Australian government through the Justice Services and Stability for Development Program (JSS4D).
According to the Chief of Bougainville Police Service, Francis Tokura, this is not the first time such buildings have been built through this program and assisted by JSS4D.
Tokura said over K10 million worth of buildings were built through this program by JSS4D in North, South and Central Bougainville to assist the Bougainville Police Service.
“We should be having more of these buildings to house policemen and policewomen more closer to the police stations where they are working,” added Tokura.
The JSS4D is an aid program that is conducted by the Australian government.
Counsellor, Development, Cooperation of Law and Justice with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Gina Wilson, said the Australian government understands that an effective, credible and accessible Bougainville Police Service will help to foster trust and confidence in the ABG.
It will also help rebuild social capital, which is a necessary pre-condition for peace and development.
Secretary for AROB Police, Correctional Service and Law and Justice, Kenneth Nanei, said by continuing to rebuild such infrastructure, we are raising the awareness that law and order is a significant component in improving the lives of the people and provide a safe and secure environment for the people of Bougainville.
Commissioner Baki, in his closing remarks, said: “To the members of the Bougainville Police Service, take care of these properties.
“Construction is one aspect. Maintenance is another and if you police men and women living in any of these accommodation take care of these properties, they will provide you with all the comforts you need for many years.”