A group of like-minded East Sepik leaders today gathered together to present their concerns in a written document to Commander of NCD and Central Provinces Benjamin Turi for his management to discuss with the NCDC to find ways to enforce their clean and safe city policy.
The document presented today stated that the leaders of Gerehu (Stages 1 to 7), Rainbow, Nautana, and Baruni had requested that the police and NCDC management urgently intervene to address significant public safety concerns. These include the unlawful occupation of public spaces, public health risks, regulatory non-compliance, and associated criminal activities affecting the well-being of the residents and the orderly development of the city.
The community spokesperson, Brian Molus, while presenting the petition to Commander Turi, said what had been captured in the petition is what the people have seen, faced daily, and fallen victim to.
He said the petition contained concerns regarding unregulated roadside vending, occupation of road reserves and footpaths, persistent loitering at public transport hubs, noise disturbance during late hours, public drinking and disorderly conduct, unlicensed commercial operations within residential areas, public health and sanitation risks, safety concerns for women, students, children, and elderly residents, as well as crime-related incidents reported by residents.
Mr. Molus said it is a metropolitan city, and what the city residents do must be in accordance with the law, regardless of what they do. He added that everything in the petition is about keeping the city clean and safe, ensuring it is reflected as a true metropolitan city.
He stated that everything happens for a reason—for people to sit down, reflect, and come up with ideas to help each other change our capital city.
Mr. Molus, on behalf of the Sepik community, also apologized for what happened last Sunday, which spread fear among city residents and disrupted some business houses. He said Sepik community leaders are communicating among themselves to schedule a time to meet with leaders from the provinces involved in the confrontation with the youths to find a way to make peace. He emphasized that it is a metropolitan city, and minority groups must not disturb everyone.
Commander Turi, while receiving the petition, thanked the leaders for taking responsibility to speak to the Sepik youths who were allegedly involved, asking them to lay down their arms and find a way forward to resolve the issue. He acknowledged all the points written in the petition, stating that most of the points raised are priority areas for policing.
He welcomed their call for authorities to look into the matter seriously and involve the NCDC to assist in cleaning up the city. He stated that the petition will be handed over to the NCD Governor so they can discuss how best to address it.
He added that police are otherwise always on the streets enforcing many of the points raised.
