New Manus Provincial Police Headquarters and Police Station design launched

The design for the Manus Provincial Police Headquarters and Lorengau Police Station was launched at the second stakeholder consultation meeting in Manus this week, funded by the Australian Government.

The meeting is part of a series of stakeholder consultations by the Australian Government held since late last year to gauge community needs and priorities for the redevelopment of the buildings, which are expected to be complete by the end of 2016.

At the meeting, architects and the project team presented an agreed design of the buildings from input received from stakeholders. The meeting was attended and design endorsed by Manus Provincial Governor Charlie Benjamin, Deputy Police Commissioner Awan Sete, Manus Provincial Administrator Andrew Posong, Public Prosecutor, Mr Pondros Kaluwin, Public Solicitor, Mr Jim Wala Tamate, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. Tony Duwang, Provincial Police Commander, Alex N’Drasal, and representatives from the law and justice and health sectors, and the Manus community.

Manus Provincial Governor Charlie Benjamin said once built, the infrastructure would not only allow police services to expand but would uplift the spirit of the people of Manus.

“This is a real boost for Manus, and it strengthens the understanding and partnership we have with Australia. Manus is a small province without much infrastructure, and now we will have a police station that we will be very proud of,” he said.

Australian High Commissioner HE Ms Deborah Stokes said “consultation between all stakeholders is vital to the delivery of a final product that serves the whole community. We want the Manus community to have their say in the new police Station buildings which is for the people of Manus”.

She said: “The final building design will incorporate considerations such as energy efficiency and the environment, and provide better protection for survivors of family and sexual violence, and greater accessibility for people with disabilities.”

Deputy Police Commissioner, Mr Awan Sete said a central approach was taken, “with all sectors working together to ensure all services are provided by the new design, and it is exactly what we want. The police look forward to working hand-in-hand with the Provincial Administration, to address the important issues facing Manus Province.”

As part of the redevelopment, the existing buildings will be demolished and temporary structures will be constructed at a site agreed by the Manus Provincial Administration to ensure policing services are uninterrupted during the rebuilding phase. Following approval of a final design, the tender for construction is expected to be released in July, with construction scheduled to commence before the end of the year.

The Australian Government is funding the over PGK10 m redevelopment through the PNG-Australia Law and Justice Partnership – Transition Program. This is part of Australia’s AUD$ 38 million additional assistance package to Manus which includes the recent gifting of a vehicle for a Family and Sexual Violence Unit in Manus.