National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop has strongly condemned the violent unrest that erupted in Port Moresby on Tuesday, calling it a serious threat to law and order and demanding urgent reform of the city’s public transport system.
The violence, reportedly led by Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) drivers and their relatives following the fatal stabbing of a crew member, saw parts of the capital descend into chaos, causing widespread fear and disruption for city residents.
Governor Parkop expressed sympathy for the victim’s family but firmly denounced the retaliatory attacks, stating: “While I share the public’s grief and outrage… it does not in any way justify the reckless and tribal violence that followed.”
He stressed that such disorder is unacceptable in modern society and has tarnished the image of Port Moresby as a peaceful and investment-ready city.
In a call to action, Parkop urged police to identify and arrest those responsible for the riots and called on the Road Traffic Authority (RTA) to suspend licenses of the PMVs involved. He also proposed that the RTA’s regulatory role be reviewed and possibly transferred to the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) for stronger oversight.
“This incident must be a turning point,” he said. “We must now urgently de-tribalize the public transport system… The culture of tribal identity and revenge has no place in our public services.”
Governor Parkop further appealed to the Minister for Transport to enact sweeping reforms to restore order and professionalism in the sector.
The Governor concluded by reaffirming the city’s commitment to public safety and rule of law: “We must act – swiftly and decisively – to restore confidence.”