Photo: GCTN
Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, James Marape, claims his government is devoted to rural development.
He remarked this while presiding at the opening of Siwi Utame Agro Technical High School and Siwi Utame Loop Road in Ponowi Village, Ialibu, Southern Highlands.
Both are initiatives of the Governor of the Southern Highlands Province, Hon. With the help of the National Government, William Powi was able to achieve his goals.
“My Government is visiting the most remote parts of Papua New Guinea,” PM Marape said before leaving by helicopter for Kapuna in Kikori, Gulf, to open a new Level 4 hospital.
“We want to tell our rural people that all hope is not lost yet.
“Just because not much development has been taking place in rural areas over the last 46 years does not mean a gloomy future for us.
“The future of this country is in our own hands, especially in places like Ponowi, where there are no tribal fights.
“Such places will receive more recognition from the Government in terms of roads, schools, and others services.”
PM Marape stated that the national, provincial, district and municipal governments should work together to provide services to the rural population.
Governor Powi's Southern Highlands Provincial Government, he claimed, was delivering impact projects like the East Pangia Road, Wiru Loop Road, and other minor road improvements, as an example.
The Prime Minister praised Governor Powi for constructing the road and school to better serve the people and pledged his government's support for these projects, which would benefit over 50,000 people.
“For many years, before we took over the government in May 2019, there was little support to Southern Highlands Provincial Government (SHPG) from Waigani, but that has improved and in the last two years, SHPG has invested in roads and schools and other rural projects consistent with Government policies," PM Marape said.
“That is the reason why I am here at Ponowi today to compliment and support a working Provincial Government to continue these two important projects,” PM Marape said.
He also praised the residents in the area for allowing the use of their land for these critical services.
PM Marape stated that any land claims will be subjected to a proper survey and appraisal prior to payment, as was done recently with the Walume Station land.
The Prime Minister further informed the public that his government will continue initiatives begun by the previous administration "if the programs are helpful to the community and Governmentcountry, as we have been supporting the Western Pacific University outside of Ialibu Station."
Reference: Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council (30 January 2022). “Pm Marape Says His Government Is Committed To Rural Development.
