THE Daulo District Police Station in Asaro along the Okuk Highway has officially been opened for use after the completion of major refurbishment work.
Northern Division Commander Assistant Police Commissioner Peter Guinness who once lived opposite the station said it was refreshing to see an old station brought back to life.
“I lived here once as a junior officer, and now I am officiating the rebirth of Asaro Police Station after over 50 years in my current capacity as Northern Divisional Commander,” said Commander Guinness.
Built under the Special Police Assistance Program (SPAP), its launching this week in Eastern Highlands marks a boost for the Provincial Command.
First built in the early 1960s, the Asaro Police Station was demolished and rebuilt by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary with government funding allocated through SPAP.
It will serve as a base for law enforcement between the townships of Goroka and Kundiawa and increase police presence along the Okuk Highway.
Common offenses reported to police along the Highlands Highway include traffic crimes like overloading, speeding and the use of unauthorized vehicles.
“This new station will inspire members of Asaro Police to clamp down on highway crimes including smuggling of firearms and drugs, robberies, traffic infringements, accidents, and so forth,” said Guinness.
Commander Guinness, who represented the Police Commissioner, David Manning, officiated at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to signal the station’s reopening.
He said it was an emotional moment as this may be his last official engagement as he is due for retirement in a few weeks’ time.
“I must thank the Police Commissioner David Manning, his executive management, and the Marape-Rosso Government for funding this new infrastructure within my Command,” he said.
The Commander said these government initiatives would undoubtedly inspire members of the RPNGC to put more effort into their roles and responsibilities in the fight against crime.
“Asaro is a strategic location for police operations along the Highlands Highway,” he said.
More importantly, the RPNGC’s overall intent is to maintain security and safety of residents in Daulo and, more so, the thousands of commuters who travel along the Highlands Highway daily.”
“The Marape-Rosso Government, in its wisdom, allocated money under the SPAP initiative, and the RPNGC Executive, under the leadership of Commissioner David Manning, delivered this very critical asset,” he said.
Commander Guinness urged members of Asaro Police to look after the assets well and serve the community with pride and commitment.
Eastern Highlands Governo, Simon Sia, Goroka MP Aiye Tambua, and Daulo MP Ekime Gorosahu were also present to witness the official opening of the new-look Asaro Police Station.
Goroka MP Aiye Tambua pledged a K50,000 funding support for white goods for the police station while the local Daulo MP has told police he will also donate office equipment and white goods for the station.
