A leading politician in Papua New Guinea says the country will face a serious law and order problem if the size of the police force is not increased substantially.
MP Joe Mek Teine, who is chair of the Constitution and Law Reform Commission, says the country needs to strengthen its policing capability to ensure it can handle any threats surrounding the planned huge liquid natural gas developments.
The Post Courier newspaper reports the MP saying the country is already facing a rise in lawlessness and this needs to be properly addressed if the potential of the LNG projects is to be realised.
He says the force faces a dire shortage of manpower, firearms and vehicles with ordinary villagers often having more firepower than the police.
Mr Mek Teine says regardless of the economic potential presented by the LNG projects if the law and order situation isn't addressed the country is heading for disaster.
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