Ipatas is urging the national government to strengthen policing in Enga
Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas has called on the National Government to strengthen policing in the province, saying lasting peace depends on a well-resourced police force.
His call comes as he backed the National Gun Amnesty Program, urging those in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them voluntarily.
Sir Peter said illegal guns have claimed many lives and destroyed schools, aid posts, churches and other government infrastructure across Enga.
"Illegal firearms must be surrendered voluntarily because they have destroyed so much state property and we have lost a lot of lives," he said.
While supporting the amnesty, Sir Peter said provincial governments had not been formally briefed on the National Executive Council's decision and called for clear guidelines on how the program will be implemented.
He questioned whether the initiative was solely a voluntary gun surrender or would include a gun buy-back scheme and economic support for those handing in weapons.
"As a government on the ground, we need clear direction on the program," he said.
The Governor said the Enga Provincial Government has consistently invested in policing and believes sustainable peace can only be achieved through stronger law enforcement.
He called on Police Minister Sir John Pundari to provide provincial governments with a clear implementation roadmap, including the program's objectives, funding, timeframe and any compensation arrangements.
Sir Peter also urged the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary to boost its presence in Enga by recruiting more police officers, providing additional vehicles, uniforms and equipment, and strengthening the Kumul 23 policing unit.
He further appealed for the immediate recruitment of three additional expatriate police officers to support Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Steven Harris, noting that four positions are already funded by the Australian Government.
His comments come as Police Minister Sir John Pundari continues encouraging Papua New Guineans, particularly in Enga, to surrender illegal firearms ahead of the planned destruction of surrendered weapons on National Repentance Day on August 26.