The Hera M2 Men’s Association Incorporated is steadily creating a positive impact within the Mumut and Pitpit street communities of Morata 2 in Port Moresby.
The Association was formed and registered back in 2021 with the help of Philip Wariniki- a prominent lawyer in the legal fraternity and was an intending candidate during the 2021 Moresby North-West By-Elections.
Although registered and recognized by the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA), the association was not fully functional until 2024, when it was certified after obtaining all its proper documentation.
Led by Brian Kilabu, the caretaker Vice President, and Emmanuel ‘Junior-Opsy’ Oveke, the Community Projects coordinator, they reached out to the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) City Watch office to have the city watch program established in their community.
In March of this year, they were affiliated to the City Watch Program through their Association and established their first ‘Cell Haus’ on a central location in their area.
For over two months now, the association has witnessed gradual but significant improvements through this initiative.
The intersection that connects pitpit and mumut streets, which leads into Morata 2 Power Station, has long been a notorious hotspot for petty crimes and other criminal related activities.
Many young women, mothers, school children, and elderly men and women, usually fall victims to these activities.
“We have seen some change taking place in our small community, especially with the decrease in the number of petty crimes, said Mr. Oveke.
“Before, this area was a hot spot for criminal activities. But since that time, we have set up our community watch post, we have seen some good changes.”
“Our youngsters, who are engaged in all sorts of bad activities, have now settled down. This is an achievement for us and progress of our work here in protecting our community.”
He added that with the installation of two newly mounted spotlights at the watch post, people in the community, have been seen walking with such pose that nothing bad is going to happen.
Young girls, women, and the elderly people in the community are now walking around freely knowing that their safety is guaranteed.
Last month, Zion Zeal Christian Academy donated a water dispenser, 6x plastic chairs, reflector vests, 2x canvas, 2x spotlights and a fluorescent light to the Hera M2 Men’s Association Inc worth K2, 000.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kilabu, emphasized that change starts in the family- and their family is the community they live in.
He noted that it takes collaboration from every individual in the community to ensure the safety of all.
Furthermore, he appealed to their younger youths to learn from what their elder brothers are doing and support them. He wants to see their community turn out to be a safe and resilient model community in Morata.
