The sadly deteriorated roads of Murray Barracks

ROBIN SUANG | Picture and Story

MURRAY BARRACKS HAS BEEN the headquarters of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force for a very long time since the days of colonial rule.

For far too long, its roads have deteriorated are silently rotting away, even small cars cannot drive through, only four wheel drives or large trucks.

The PNGDF has always been the pride of Papua New Guinea, yet government after government has neglected the soldiers’ living conditions.

Former NCD governors and former Moresby North-West MPs have never given priority to the barracks’ roads. As a result many taxi drivers are scared to go into the barracks.

The roads are a mess, with potholes everywhere, and they are deteriorating at a fast rate. Most of the tar has eroded and massive holes are everywhere in the streets of the nation’s military headquarters.

Politicians and Defence Ministers over the last 15 years have turned a blind eye to this problem, which is bound to continue as long as no one shows their concern.

If NCD Governor Powes Parkop could allocate millions to Port Moresby’s roads, why has he not fixed up the barracks roads?

New North-West MP Michael Malabag should allocate something. Former prime minister and Moresby North-West MP (now retired) Sir Mekere Morauta has failed in his three terms of parliament to address this issue.

If only people can start to fix things when problems start small, they can be prevented, money could have been saved.

My suggestion: That the PNGDF engineers battalion be given the responsibility to fix the roads.

Comments

[Robin Suang]

During your days, it was much better. Discipline was paramount, there was always a sense of responsibility.

But now times have changed. The COs have turned a blind eye.

I am a son of a military officer. I have seen that no one would take this issue and tell everyone, thus, by using the media I can tell every Papua New Guinean that Murray Barracks roads have deteriorated badly.

It's my community obligation. If I don't do it, who will?

[Joe Wasia]

Robin, this is really true. Its sad to see a road that links the PNG's military base. Government needs to fix this.

[Laurence Quinlivan]

As a former PIR and HQPNG Officer I am saddened to see the situation pictured. The final sentance has considerable merit.

However rather than blame the politicians my first question would be to ask where are the military commanders at all levels.

When I was with PIR (long time ago) if a section commander (Corporal) saw something needing repair, he would have his soldiers fix it.

All the soldiers had a pride in their own environment and in keeping it clean and in good repair. If they needed additional resources (timber, cement) they would pester the officers until they provided.

Perhaps the roads are not first priority but an urgent need to rebuild morale from the soldiers upwards?