Undialu urges people to take ownership of public infrastructure
Hela Governor Philip Undialu is calling on the people to take full ownership and responsibility for public infrastructure being built to serve them.
This follows disturbing reports of theft and vandalism at key government project sites.
A frustrated Governor Undialu said he has received reports of construction materials being stolen from sites at Pai and Enopi police barracks, materials meant for building police housing. In some cases, even televisions and furniture have been removed from newly completed houses.
He said there are reports that youths in Komo attempted to burn down containers holding materials for ten new police houses being installed at the old Komo airstrip.
“Our people have been consistently asking for more police presence and law enforcement support. Yet when the government responds and begins delivering critical infrastructure, a few selfish people are sabotaging that progress,” he stated.
He stressed that the Hela Provincial Government, in partnership with the district development authorities are working hard to address long-standing law and order issues in the province.
Governor Undialu announced plans to construct 500 new police houses, starting with 100 houses this year, in partnership with the four DDAs and local MPs.
He emphasized that improved law and justice services can only be delivered if the necessary infrastructure, such as housing for police and judicial officers is in place.
“Last week, we installed our new Resident Judge, the new Provincial Police Commander (PPC), and the new Mobile Squad 09 [MS09] Commander. These appointments are part of our broader strategy to strengthen the justice system in Hela,” he said.
Mr. Undialu stressed that in addition, the Provincial Government has signed an agreement with the National Correctional Service to expand the capacity of Hawa Prison from its current limit of just 50 detainees to 300. The first phase of expansion will include; 40 juvenile cell blocks, 20 female cell blocks and 50 high-risk cell blocks. Additional facilities will be constructed in later stages.
“All of this is being done to serve the people of Hela. Everyone must take full responsibility to protect and respect public assets. These projects represent progress, and they belong to all of us not just the government,” Governor Undialu stated.
He condemned those engaging in theft and destruction of public property, calling them “sick-minded and greedy people” who are only trying to please themselves at the expense of the entire province.
“This infrastructure is not for me, it’s for the people of Hela. We cannot continue asking for services if we are the same people destroying them. It’s time we grow up and take pride in what is being delivered to us,” he said.