The recent opening of the new police station at the notorious Koki area in the city of Port Moresby has been welcomed by the public and the business community in the area.
In recent times this area has been the site for ethnic clashes, riots and criminal activities, affecting the residents, people that frequent the area and shop and business owners in Koki.
Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry (POMCCI) President, Mr. Rio Fiocco, when commenting recently on the riot and looting last week Monday at Koki, said it was important that the police manpower in the area is beefed up and well equipped to handle the law-and-order situation that may arise in the future.
He said just having security or surveillance cameras alone installed in the area is not enough to address the law and order at Koki.
“Having CCTV cameras put up around the Koki area is not going to solve the problem, we need police manpower who have proper communication and vehicles to be ready to respond to these emergencies when they happen.”
“We’ve seen what happened. It’s clear to all of us that we need more stations in the city, and they (Police) need to be better trained and quick to respond.”
He said what had happened in Koki on Monday 03rd July, clearly shows the breakdown of law and order.
“Therefore, for the old police post to be upgraded to a new police station at Koki, is a way forward to reducing the law and order issues, for freedom of movement for public and business houses operation and services to the people.”