Gordons Market and the surrounding bus stop area continue to pose serious policing challenges, despite noticeable progress since the introduction of the City Warden program last year.
Once known as one of the city’s most notorious hotspots for petty theft, harassment, and serious crimes, Gordons has recorded a drop in reported cases, according to crime statistics from Gordons and nearby police stations.
However, the National Capital District (NCD) Metropolitan Superintendent Warrick Simitab confirmed that while crime prevention progress has been made in the city’s former notorious Gordons Markets, many issues remain.
Superintendent Simitab addressed this following crime statistics from Gordons and other nearby police stations.
He stated that the decreased crime-rate in Gordons was made possible from productive efforts of Wardens since its introduction since last year, alongside support from the Gordons Police Station office under the command of Commander Senior Inspector Gabriel Kini.
However, officers struggle daily with crowd control, mainly because vendors set up in unauthorized public spaces like bus stops and shop fronts.
“I am in constant communication with NCDC and other stakeholders on how we can manage the issue of overcrowding at the bus stop, which poses a high risk to the people commuting there.”
“I am pleased with how the police and the wardens are working together at the moment, and we will try to improve on that by increasing police presence at the location.”
“We must all work together to find a win-win situation for everyone accessing Gordons, whether to do business or transit to their respective homes, schools, or workplaces.”
Moreover, Simitab emphasized the importance of a mindset shift among residents living in Port Moresby.
He highlighted that people’s behavior in villages and rural towns cannot be applied to city life.
“With days remaining before the country celebrates fifth years of independence, people’s way of doing things must also change.”
“If educated people continue to engage in illegal activities, they must reflect and change. One educated person’s influence can inspire many others to follow the right path.”
He emphasized that examples must be set by community leaders, and leaders must step up within their tribes and settlements.
He added that positive change from one individual can influence entire groups to respect the law.
Furthermore, Simitab urged public cooperation in reporting crimes, to effectively utilize and allocate the limited resources efficiently to serve the growing population in NCD.