National Capital District

Extending the city’s sympathy yesterday, Governor Powes Parkop pledged support to assist.

“This is a natural catastrophe, it’s not planned so nobody was ready for this,” he said.

He assured the affected locals that as soon as the National Disaster Centre sets up relief efforts, Port Moresby is ready to assist.

Parkop said volunteers have already approached him for this and the city is ready to help in any form of relief, both cash and kind.

“We are always ready to help in this kind of tragic situation. We wish them all the best in their recovery,” he said.

The ban comes in effect within the next few days, starting at the Boroko centre.

This decision is in line with the efforts to create a safe, healthy and clean city and uplift its image in terms of cleanliness and hygiene.

Following the ban review after the election, NCD has concluded that a total ban on betelnut is not the way forward for all stakeholders in the city, including both chewers and vendors.

The announcement made today is that the partial ban will be imposed only in public places and around shopping malls and commercial areas.

The idea ultimately aims to bridge the disparity that has existed in the city for the last 4 decades and to upgrade settlements to suburbs and modernise Motu-Koitabu villages.

This concept has been taken to the World Urban Forum discussion table in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Statistics on the reported cases under the family and sexual violence (FSV) unit is concerning, says NCD metropolitan superintendent, Commander Perou N’Dranou.

N’Dranou said there were about 300 reported cases in 2015, 307 cases in 2016 and 261 reported cases in 2017.

The Met Sup noted that out of the total (868), only about 362 cases have been closed so far; 190 cases closed in 2015, 106 in 2016 and 66 cases closed in 2017.

N’Dranou attributed this to a number of factors, including manpower and facilities.

“However, there is no excuse for the outcome.”

APEC Minister Justin Tkatchenko said the Government, through the assistance of the Chinese Government, is looking to build a boulevard as well as providing maintenance support to existing routes.

He re-affirmed that the country is APEC ready, particularly with the Prime Minister’s personal approach to APEC, further stating that the right people are in place to lead APEC 2018.

Metropolitan Superintendent Commander Perou N’Dranou says cooperation from residents as well as social groups, like neighbourhood watch groups created by youths from the suburbs, have been major contributors to the success of the second phase of the police festive operations.

In a briefing yesterday, the Commander stated that he is pleased with the outcome of the operations.

He said this is just another phase that has been completed and the police now await the New Year, which they believe will be very challenging.

This is for NCD residents to call in to report occurring incidents, says Metropolitan Superintendent Perou N’Dranou.

Mobile phone users can be able contact police in emergencies; an initiative the police boss would like to be up and running by the end of the year.

“Telikom and bmobile-vodafone have already stepped in to assist us with toll-free numbers.”

He said the telecommunication firms were the first to jump on board since they were the initiators.

“But this does not stop Digicel and they are welcome to come on board as well,” N’Dranou said.

Port Moresby residents flocked the military grounds to witness the final performances and entertainment by local artists, notably Mereani Masani and B-Rad, including the Yogabatics group.

A spectacular fireworks display by Lamana was the perfect surprise for the night.

In his closing remarks, NCD Governor Powes Parkop called for a peaceful Port Moresby that is free from all forms of violence.

“We must know the true meaning of Christmas. It is time for peace and reconciliation. Please take this seriously, take it to heart and practice it.”

The NCD police are looking and working to regain public confidence in policing services in Port Moresby.

Recent meets with the NCD senior police officers saw the NCD Police Boss, Perou N’Dranou, stress on the implementing strategies to win back the trust and confidence of the general public.

This includes activities that will help improve the work of police and involve local communities to help police fight and reduce the crime rate in the city.

The weekly walk took a turn for the worse on Sunday when opportunists attacked motorists and commuters.

National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop says he will help repair the damages and loss to cars and property.

He further revealed that NCDC buses were also vandalised and attacked during the walk. Stones and rocks were hauled at the buses until the windows shattered.

Though Sunday’s situation was regrettable, Parkop says he will not let these hooligans stop the event that bonds residents together.