MPs in the government, including Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, need to give credit where it is due for the developments taking place around the country.
Speaking to a huge crowd in Jimi, Jiwaka Province, last Friday, Opposition Leader Don Polye says the former government was denied acknowledgement on the foundation work laid for PNG’s major infrastructure developments.
He outlined that the following work realised were the result of his strategies;
- Multi-tranche financed roads under PNG Government and Asian Development Bank;
- Maritime wharves/ports like Lae Port, jetties navigational systems, ISPS code, implementation to secure our ports/wharves, etc…under ADB/PNG government loan facility;
- Airport upgrades like at Gurney, Nadzab, Hoskins, Jackson’s and Mt Hagen to ICAO Standards, etc;
- Transport sector reforms and establishment of National Airports Corporations to do Nadzab airport master plan development;
- Establishment of Free Trade Agreements with the European Union for PNG’s tuna/fish products;
- Establishing investment promotion protection agreements with Japan, China and Korea; and,
- Many other works in the high education sector and Treasury reforms.
Polye said he did not want to be thanked for what he did, adding that is what he has been mandated and ‘divinely skilled to do’.
“But it becomes a concern when those in the lead are blinded by arrogance, pride and boastfulness.
“The foolish need to learn how to give praise where it is due,” he said.
(Locals at Jiwaka listening to Opposition Leader Don Polye.)