Assistant Commissioner of Police for New Guinea Islands Command Naua Vanuawaru has officially opened a newly constructed HS90 house and two duplexes at Warangoi Police Station in East New Britain Province.
The three police housing units were opened last Wednesday under the Special Police Assistance Program (SPAP), funded by the Marape-Rosso Government since 2023 to support the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary through infrastructure development, fleet replacement, uniforms, information and communication technology and police training.
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ACP Vanuawaru in a statement urged police personnel who occupy the new houses to properly maintain the facilities.
“These buildings are very valuable assets that cost millions of kina. You should consider yourselves fortunate to have access to this accommodation,” he said.
“Given the financial challenges currently facing the country, it is not easy to obtain assets such as houses and vehicles. Therefore, I encourage you to take good care of them.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Logistics Chris Smith acknowledged the Marape-Rosso Government for its continued support through SPAP.
He said the programme was being progressively rolled out across all 22 provinces.
“We cannot do everything at once. We are identifying areas that require assistance and addressing them one step at a time throughout the country,” ACP Smith said.
He said providing proper accommodation for police personnel remained a priority because decent housing could improve officers’ wellbeing and work performance.
“Our aim is to provide decent homes for police officers and their families. When officers have a comfortable place to live and rest, it improves their wellbeing and enhances their work performance,” he said.
East New Britain Governor Michael Marum thanked the police executives for the support, saying adequate police presence was important for communities.
“This is the type of support we need to help police carry out their duties effectively. When police are present, children can attend school safely and women can freely access health services,” Governor Marum said.
He said Warangoi had become a crime hotspot in recent years and that a permanent police presence supported by adequate accommodation would help improve law and order.
“Through this assistance program, we have seen the completion of three new police buildings. I appeal to those who will occupy these houses to take good care of them,” he said.
Governor Marum also highlighted the importance of Warangoi Police Station as Baining prepares to become a new district in 2027.
“With Baining becoming a new district next year, Warangoi Police Station will play an important role in serving and supporting the new district moving forward,” he said.
During the ceremony, ACP Smith also announced the allocation of two new police vehicles to East New Britain.
He said more than 700 police vehicles had been deployed nationwide over the past three years under the police re-fleeting programme.
However, he warned officers against alcohol-related and irresponsible driving.
“A large number of vehicle accidents involving police vehicles are linked to alcohol consumption and irresponsible driving. This must stop,” ACP Smith said.
“These are not private vehicles. They belong to the people of Papua New Guinea and are provided to help us serve the nation. They must not be used for personal purposes but for their intended operational role.”
ACP Smith also reminded police personnel that the 2027 National General Election was approaching and stressed the importance of maintaining all assets provided through SPAP.
ACP Vanuawaru challenged the East New Britain Provincial Government to continue working with police to support the province’s development.