East Sepik gets 8 new police vehicles

 East Sepik Governor Hon Allan Bird presented eight brand new vehicles to police in his province at the Wewak Town Police Station on Wednesday.

Governor said the vehicles were purchased to ease the work of the police in carrying out their job effectively throughout the province as well as parts of the West Sepik Province too.

Governor Bird said East Sepik is the second largest province with a population of about 800,000 with only 170 police personnel. It is quite difficult for the police officers to manage their job well given the limited resources and the far and wide spread of the population.

“We demand more from the police without realising their needs in terms of resources to perform to our expectations. On behalf of the people of East Sepik I apologise for demanding better policing without giving the needed tools,” said Governor Bird.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Operation Mr Donald Yamasombi, who was present to receive the vehicles on behalf of the RPNGC, thanked the governor for his enthusiasm in supporting the Police of East Sepik in boosting its resources.

Mr Yamasombi said the Police in East Sepik has a larger area to cover and to always maintain police presence however, mobility is an issue.

“The presentation of these vehicles is very timely as we are heading into the National Elections and I acknowledge and thank the governor for this great initiative,” Mr Yamasombi said.

He reminded the police personnel of their duty to look after these vehicles which were purchased by the People of East Sepik. These vehicles must be used for their intended purposes only, Mr Yamasombi said.

Mr Yamasombi said the RPNGC has started this year on what is called a Performance Review Interview. In this interview, police personnel will be assessed on how they utilize resources given at their disposals and the output that goes with it.

He said also in December 2021 a “Vehicle Assiduous Policy” will be launched. In this policy, if any vehicle or equipment is wrecked, the person responsible pays for it. This policy is basically to improve accountability.

Governor Bird said the East Sepik Provincial Government will supply the RPNGC with whatever resources needed for better policing in the province. He told the police officers never to ask the people to pay for their services or resources.

Governor Bird announced also that his provincial government has allocated K500,000 towards fuel for police.

Furthermore, the Governor pledged to have 12 more vehicles delivered this year to bring the number of police vehicles in the province to 20. He said Yawasoro Police Barracks will also get a facelift.

He reminded all officers to take pride in themselves and challenged them to bring back the face Constabulary had 30 years ago so people can move around in a safe and secured environment.

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