Sepik Leaders Petition Police and NCDC to Make PNG Capital Clean and Safe

East Sepik community leaders in Port Moresby have called on police and the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) to strengthen efforts to restore cleanliness, safety and order in Papua New Guinea’s capital city.

The leaders presented a petition to NCD and Central Commander Benjamin Turi, urging police management to work closely with NCDC to address growing concerns over public safety, illegal occupation of public spaces and activities affecting residential communities.

 Sepik Leaders Petition Police and NCDC to Make PNG Capital Clean and Safe/Photo by Police Media

The petition was presented by community spokesperson Brian Molus on behalf of residents from Gerehu Stages 1 to 7, Rainbow, Nautana and Baruni.

Mr Molus said the concerns raised in the document reflected the daily experiences of residents, including those who had been directly affected by disorder and criminal activities.

The petition highlighted problems associated with unregulated roadside vending, occupation of road reserves and footpaths, loitering at public transport hubs, late-night noise, public drinking and disorderly behaviour.

It also raised concerns about unlicensed businesses operating in residential areas, sanitation and public health risks, and the safety of women, students, children and elderly residents.

Mr Molus said Port Moresby was a metropolitan city where everyone was expected to respect and comply with the law, regardless of their activities.

He said the petition was intended to encourage cooperation and collective responsibility in making the capital a cleaner and safer place for all residents.

Mr Molus also apologised on behalf of the Sepik community for the incident last Sunday, which reportedly caused fear among residents and disrupted some businesses.

He said Sepik leaders were communicating with one another to arrange a meeting with leaders from the other provinces involved in the confrontation with youths, with the aim of restoring peace.

He stressed that disagreements involving minority groups should not disrupt the wider metropolitan community.

Commander Turi thanked the leaders for taking responsibility and engaging with Sepik youths allegedly involved in the incident, encouraging them to surrender their weapons and seek peaceful solutions.

He acknowledged the concerns raised in the petition, saying most were already priority areas for police enforcement.

Commander Turi welcomed the involvement of NCDC and said the petition would be forwarded to the NCD Governor for discussions on appropriate measures.

He said police were already conducting street operations to enforce many of the issues highlighted by the community.