Police officers accommodated in run-down accommodation raises big worry
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
The old Auki Police Station building in Malaita Province which has been used as a police barrack for police officers and their families is in a deteriorating and unsafe condition.
And this had raised concerns over the welfare of the officers occupying the barrack.
Originally built to serve as the town’s police station, the aging structure is currently being used as a police barrack (single officers’ quarters).
Auki Police Headoffice is operating from a new complex.
However, the building has fallen into severe disrepair, with cracking walls, poor water sanitation, and overcrowded living spaces that are unfit for proper human habitation.
A visit to the building on Thursday revealed the extent of the deteriorating condition of the barrack.
The entire structure appears unsafe for officers and their families to occupy.
The surrounding environment is also unhygienic, with stray dogs seen sleeping along the corridors.
Stains and dirt were visible on the walls, reflecting the poor state of maintenance.
Malaita Provincial Police Commander Michael Ramosaea confirmed that the building is unsafe and unsuitable as living quarters.
“This facility was never meant to house officers. It is very old and unfit for human living.
“One of our officers even fell sick due to the poor environment and had to be admitted to hospital,” he said.
Commander Ramosaea said the current condition of the barrack is affecting not only the health and well-being of officers but also their ability to perform their duties effectively.
“Safe and comfortable accommodation is essential. When officers can rest properly, they perform better and serve the community more effectively,” he added.
He also highlighted that the existing police housing at Aimela is already fully occupied and cannot cater for the increasing number of police officers stationed in Auki.
“The houses at Aimela are not enough to accommodate all officers.
“Because of this shortage, some officers have no choice but to stay in this old building that was never designed for residential use,” he explained.
Commander Ramosaea revealed that a formal request has been submitted to the headquarter to address the growing shortage of police accommodation in Auki.
He stressed, there is an urgent need for a modern police barrack to accommodate the increasing number of officers and their families serving the region.
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