Crime and Pollution in Goroka

Crime Data in Goroka

Crime Perception and Concerns

In 2024, Goroka presents significant challenges in crime management, with a very high crime index indicating severe concerns among residents. The community expresses acute anxiety over property crimes and safety at night.

While there are varying levels of worry during the day, concerns drastically heighten after dark, impacting the city’s overall safety perception.

Some notable concerns include:

• Property Crimes - Property crimes are perceived as a severe issue in Goroka, with high public anxiety regarding theft, and car related incidents. The feeling of insecurity is prevalent, underscoring a critical area for local authorities.
• Drug-Related Issues - Interestingly, drug-related concerns seem minimal in Goroka according to the public perception data, suggesting that other crime types are overshadowing these worries currently.
• Violent Crimes - Violent crimes are also a significant worry for Goroka residents, with high levels of concern over potential physical assaults and robberies. This perception contributes to the overall atmosphere of heightened vigilance and insecurity.
• Public Safety - Residents of Goroka feel particularly unsafe during nighttime, with a noted dip in perceived safety. The inability to feel secure after dark further exacerbates the community's anxiety levels about crime.

Crime Trends and Safety

• Rising Crime Concerns - The perception of increasing crime rates in Goroka adds to local fears, indicating a societal need for proactive measures and community engagement to curb these trends.
• Specific Fears - There is a notable concern about being mugged or insulted, alongside ethnic or religious tensions. These fears highlight the need for targeted safety strategies and community cohesion efforts.

Summary of Crime in Goroka

Goroka faces a substantial challenge in terms of both crime rates and public perception. Efforts to improve safety, particularly at night and in terms of property protection, are crucial to fostering a more secure environment.

Crime Rankings

The crime ranking by city for Papua New Guinea is based on a continuously updated index, incorporating data up to 36 months old and calculated twice a year. Cities are ranked on a scale from "very low" to "very high" crime levels, with safety being the inverse, where a high safety index indicates a safer city.

1. Port Moresby

Papua New Guinea

Air Quality and Pollution Levels

Goroka faces severe environmental challenges, particularly with its alarmingly high pollution index. Residents express considerable dissatisfaction with air quality and general environmental conditions.

While particulate matter like PM2.5 and PM10 levels are not indicated as critical, overall air quality remains a significant concern due to other pollution factors.

• PM2.5 (Fine Particulate Matter) - The PM2.5 levels in Goroka are ostensibly stable; however, the broader air quality perception remains negative, suggesting underlying environmental health concerns.
• PM10 (Coarse Particulate Matter) - Similarly, PM10 data does not suggest immediate risk, yet the air quality is rated poorly, reflecting chronic environmental issues affecting residents' wellbeing.

Waste and Noise Pollution

Noise and light pollution appear stable, yet the dissatisfaction with garbage disposal processes is considerable. Residents report significant challenges with waste management and city cleanliness.

The negative perception of environmental upkeep extends across different city areas, contributing to a broader feeling of neglect.

• Garbage Disposal Satisfaction - Goroka residents are deeply dissatisfied with waste management services, leading to widespread negative perceptions of cleanliness and environmental neglect in the city.
• Noise and Light Pollution - Stable yet concerning, noise and light pollution contribute to daily discomfort and a degraded quality of life for Goroka's citizens.

Green Spaces and Water Quality

Goroka is in dire need of improvement in terms of green spaces, with residents expressing profound dissatisfaction. This lack severely limits recreational opportunities and exacerbates environmental degradation.

Water quality is a critical concern for Goroka, with residents highlighting significant accessibility and quality issues that demand urgent attention.

• Green and Parks Quality - Green spaces in Goroka are virtually non-existent or in poor condition, diminishing public satisfaction and affecting the overall environmental health of the city.
• Drinking Water Quality - Drinking water accessibility and quality are critical issues in Goroka, affecting a fundamental aspect of daily life. This needs immediate intervention to meet basic health and safety standards.