Some disgruntled Morobe youths say provincial autonomy is the next option if the Morobe Provincial Government (MPG) does not respond positively to their 12 point petition.
Morobe Provincial Governor Kelly Naru who fronted the frustrated youths from his province and received their petition is expected to give his response today in the capital, Lae.
In a copy of the MPG response seen by Loop PNG they summarized their response as stated below;
- Banning of all street vending and also Asian shops who supply items to be sold on the street
- Improve security and safety of the public
- Investigate the burning of the provincial flag
- Illegal land grabbing
- Creation of a law and order office
- Creation of market space for Morobe women
- Provincial government must punish ill-disciplined public servants
- Call for autonomy
The provincial government response stated that with street vending the main concern, the Lae City Council will enforce the ban effectively and also create market space to cater for Morobe sellers.
Regarding the illegal land grabbing it states that it is beyond MPG control if people are squatting on customary land.
Also the provincial government will be looking at employing Morobe youths under the MPG business arm to help provide security in suburbs and settlements in the industrial city.
Picture Source: file.