The Police Commissioner has been put on the spot to find out about what happened to the police vehicles designated for Madang that would support police officers maintain public safety in the province.

Prime Minister James Marape has directed the Police Commissioner to provide an immediate explanation regarding police vehicles expected by Madang Province under an arrangement involving the provincial government and the Police Department.

Responding to a supplementary question from Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa in Parliament on Monday, Prime Minister Marape said the National Government had purchased more than 400 police vehicles to strengthen law enforcement across Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Governor Pariwa raised concerns over delays in vehicle allocations despite the provincial government’s contribution of approximately K2.4 million towards police resourcing.

Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that Madang had contributed funding towards law and order and was entitled to question the outstanding allocation.

“Madang Province, you are entitled to raise this issue,” he said.

The Prime Minister said he had been advised that 30 of an earlier consignment of 60 police vehicles from Japan had already been distributed.

He also acknowledged the policing needs of Lae, describing it as an important centre for customs, business and commerce.

Prime Minister Marape said the National Government had arrangements to complement police vehicles purchased by provincial and district governments, while recognising that demand for police resources remained high throughout the country.

He called on the Police Commissioner to respond immediately to Governor Pariwa’s concerns.