A United Church Bishop from Hela province has called on the government and police commissioner to employ more police personnel in Hela to increase police man power in the province.

United Church Pioneer Bishop and Deputy Chair of Hela Council of Churches, Reverend Wai Tege, in an interview with Inside PNG, said there is a need for more police resources and man power to help address lawlessness in the province.

“The are less then 60 policemen stationed in Tari, but they cannot do anything. We need more policemen.” The Bishop said.

The Law and Order issues in Hela province has been an ongoing issue for over 10 years, and the recent Kidnapping at Mt Bosavi has posed a threat to the people, especially women and girls, including public servants in the province.

According to Reverend Tege, a survey carried out by the United Church in Hela shows that the lawlessness in Hela, are mainly caused by unemployed youths between the age of 15 to 27.

“Most of these youths come from polygamous family background with no support from family, therefore they turn to the life of crime and violence.” The Reverend said.

Reverend Tege said the idea of State of Emergencies (SOEs) being declared by the government over the years, have been nothing but a waste of resources and government funding.

He said the solution is to boost police manpower, by employing more police personnel to be stationed permanently in the province.

This will help increase police presence and visibility in the province.

“We have more unemployed youths and school leavers in the country. Employ the school leavers so they can be stationed in Hela, to help address Law and Order Issue.” Reverend Tege said.