The Gulf Governor has challenged the Gulf Provincial Administration and his people to embrace new opportunities that the various agreements will bring.
Chris Haiveta referred to the signing of MOA with Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock (Cocoa Board and National Development Bank), the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism (TPA, National Museum and National Cultural Commission), the Investment Promotion Authority and the Internal Revenue Commission last Friday in Kerema, Gulf Province.
“Let me remind my people of Gulf that we must work hard and try to live within our means. Last year, the National Government Grants fell short by K56 million and we have yet to cater for goods and service providers from over the years,” Haiveta stated.
“It is within this context and reality that my Government wish to work with the many agencies that have signed the MOU/MOA.
“My challenge to the provincial administrator and the public servants is for us to now realise the realities.
“Are we still waiting for National Government Grants and not able to improve on our revenue collection in the province?
“The signing of the MOU with IRC is to assist Gulf in terms of training, performance review and monitoring in improving internal revenue generation. Also, IRC will be working with Investment Promotion Authority, Independent Consumer and Competition Commission and the PNG Customs to ensure our resources are protected, people and companies are paying tax and that the goods and services provided are safe and hygienic for consumption and at the right price.”
Governor Haiveta said his Ten Point Plan is progressing with various projects and activities.
“Also, as the Leader of Country Party, our policies are embedded in utilisation of land through agriculture, business and rural empowerment focusing on rural infrastructure including transport, communication, social facilities; economic empowerment through Small Medium Enterprise development; agriculture and fisheries through working on the land and agriculture industries and prosperity through poverty alleviation in literacy, economic activities etc.
“My emphasis is to restore government services and that is my priority to get all our ministry portfolios and their respective departments and agencies to come back to Gulf Province.
“We have opened Kerema and Kikori airports and will open some of the closed airstrips.”