Rosso leads Unitech security response
Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso has stepped in to strengthen security at the Papua New Guinea University of Technology after an alleged armed break-in at the University Adventist Residential College [UARC] girls’ dormitory.
Mr Rosso says protecting students and staff is the priority. He has announced more police patrols, security upgrades and a review of weak areas around the campus.
He visited the university with Lae Metropolitan Commander Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban, Superintendent Operations James Luan and Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman John Bryn.
The team met with the PNGUoT Council, senior management, police and security officers before inspecting the affected girls’ dormitory and parts of the campus fence.
Mr Rosso said students must feel safe while studying at the university.
“We have got to make certain that the students who come here are sitting in a safe, secure environment. And not only the students, also the faculty members who reside here.”
He said police would increase their presence on campus and support the university security team.
The measures include retraining security officers, improving lighting, installing CCTV cameras and strengthening patrols around areas considered vulnerable.
A police vehicle will also be stationed near the girls’ dormitory during overnight hours.
“The police will take them back and retrain them, and see if we can assist with arming them, so that they can provide an armed response with regular members of the police force.”
Mr Rosso also warned criminal groups, including those known as OBT, saying authorities would not ignore the threat they pose to communities.
“They are now preying on the vulnerable... we cannot just turn a blind eye. We have to address this seriously.”
He said his response was also based on his experience in policing and security.
Mr Rosso said PNGUoT covers more than 50 hectares, making security difficult, but urgent action was needed.
“The immediate thing now to do is to safeguard our female students and try to safeguard all the rest of the university faculty.”
The university says it will continue working with police, government and other partners to improve security and provide a safe place for students and staff.