Restoration efforts for two damaged bridges in Mulitaka are now underway following a community protest by local citizens from eight rest houses who were denied their right to vote in the recent Porgera-Paiela by-election.
A team led by Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (A/ACP) Joseph Tondop, Provincial Police Commander Fred Yakasa, and PNG Defence Force Quick Response Force personnel visited the affected area on Thursday to address community concerns and ensure law and order.
The citizens, gathered at Mulitaka Secondary School and the Andan Bridge, expressed three key demands:
1. Immediate police action against those responsible for hijacking eight ballot boxes.
2. The declaration of a failed election and a call for a fresh vote.
3. Suspension of any repair works until a formal response is received from authorities.
In response, A/ACP Tondop acknowledged the community’s frustration but emphasized that destroying state infrastructure was also a criminal offence.
“Two wrongs do not make a right. While we recognize the seriousness of the ballot box hijackings, the destruction of government property is also a crime. Both incidents will be investigated concurrently by the Police Investigative Task Force,” he said in a media statement yesterday.
Tondop confirmed that investigations were already underway and assured the community that a formal petition concerning the election would be delivered to the Electoral Commissioner via the Provincial Election Manager on Friday, 25 July.
Despite calls for delays, the State will commence repair work on the damaged bridges today.
An engineer from New Porgera Limited has assessed the situation and recommended a temporary bypass using a cement culvert to restore access for light vehicles carrying essential supplies, while long-term bridge repairs are being planned, he said.
Acting ACP Tondop reaffirmed that the State would take full responsibility for the restoration with no conditions attached, urging locals to cooperate with authorities to prevent further disruptions.
“The threat level is currently low after yesterday’s engagement with community leaders,” he said. “Security personnel will continue monitoring the situation, particularly during the ballot counting phase. Security arrangements may adjust following the declaration of the newly elected member next month.”
Details on the movement of ballot boxes to the counting venue will remain confidential for security reasons.