A coalition of East Sepik leaders has formally petitioned police and municipal authorities to urgently enforce public safety regulations and restore order across the National Capital District (NCD).
The delegation presented a comprehensive written petition today to the Commander of NCD and Central Provinces, Benjamin Turi. The document outlines severe safety, health, and regulatory concerns affecting residents across key residential zones, including Gerehu (Stages 1 to 7), Rainbow, Nautana, and Baruni.
Community spokesperson Brian Molus stated that the petition directly reflects the daily hardships, safety threats, and illegal activities faced by residents.
"This is a metropolitan city, and the conduct of its residents must align with the law," said Mr. Molus. "This petition is fundamentally about keeping our capital clean and safe, ensuring it reflects the standards of a true metropolitan center. These challenges should serve as a catalyst for authorities and communities to collaborate on structural solutions."
The petition calls for immediate, coordinated intervention from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) to address:
• Unregulated roadside vending and the illegal occupation of public road reserves and footpaths.
• Chronic loitering and harassment at public transport hubs.
• Late-night noise disturbances, public consumption of alcohol, and disorderly conduct.
• Unlicensed commercial operations operating within designated residential areas.
• Escalating public health risks driven by poor sanitation and lack of regulatory compliance.
• Targeted safety threats impacting vulnerable residents, including women, students, children, and the elderly.
On behalf of the Sepik community, Mr. Molus also extended a formal apology for the civil unrest that occurred last Sunday, which caused widespread panic and disrupted local business houses. He confirmed that Sepik community leaders are actively engaging with leaders from the other provinces involved in the confrontation to broker a peaceful resolution, emphasizing that a minority must not be allowed to hold the city hostage.
Receiving the petition, Commander Benjamin Turi commended the Sepik leaders for taking proactive responsibility to de-escalate tensions and urging local youths to lay down their arms.
Commander Turi validated the community’s concerns, noting that the points raised in the petition are already priority operational areas for metropolitan police. He welcomed the call for institutional collaboration and confirmed that the petition will be elevated to the NCD Governor to establish a joint strategic framework between the police and the NCDC.
While reaffirming that frontline officers remain deployed daily to enforce municipal laws, Commander Turi emphasized that a unified, multi-agency approach with the NCDC is critical to achieving a sustainable, clean, and safe city.