Francis Awesa

Awesa hands over Works and Implementation portfolio

Minister Nali laid out the ground rules for the next 5 years adding that it will be a very busy term for the Ministry.

The hand over takeover ceremony was witnessed by outgoing Minster Francis Awesa, the senior management of the Ministry, Provincial Managers, staff and donor partners.

Minister Nali was welcomed by Secretary David Wereh who outlined the importance of the Ministry saying that land transport is the basis of development for the country and that the Ministry plays a vital role maintaining, building and managing important road networks of the country.

Polye calls out Awesa

Following Minister Francis Awesa’s statement slamming him for misleading his Kandep people on road projects, Polye has denied playing politics with road infrastructure in his district.

Polye reiterated that the writing was on the wall, saying projects worth more than K150 million for his district were denied of when he was sacked as the Treasury Minister in March 2013.

Works Minister blasts Polye over misleading information

Awesa said Polye should not play politics with road infrastructure, as it is the O’Neill Government that has delivered more and better roads than any Government in the past, including in the Kandep district.

“Regardless of the Member’s false and hollow claims, there is a substantial National Government road sealing program underway in Kandep, as there is around the nation.

"Our Government has been undertaking one of the most intensive road building and rehabilitations programs in our history.

Awesa assures Central MPs of roads completion

He said this after being asked in Parliement by Kairuku-Hiri Member, Peter Isoaimo, and Goilala MP, Willam Samb, on the deteriorating state of roads in their respective districts and if the Government was going to address them.

Isoaimo referred to the Hiri Portion of then Hiritano Highway from Laloki bridge to Vei’Mauri bridge as well as the Bereina-Veifa’a junctions and the Waima-Kivori road leading to Gulf Province.

He asked if funds were also diverted.

Awesa pays tertiary tuition fee for Imbonggu students

Last Saturday (Oct 1 2016), Member for Imbonggu, Francis Awesa presented the first payment of K111,000 for 91 students studying at the University of Goroka (UOG), Eastern Highlands Province.

Awesa said he would deliver the payments for students at the University of Technology in Lae and the University of Papua New Guinea in Port Moresby this week.

He said fees for Imbonggu students attending teachers colleges, technical training institutions and other learning places will be paid in the coming weeks.

Awesa condemns police killings

Awesa said the shooting of a policeman in Northern Province 18 months ago and another last Saturday (July 30) in Alotau by criminals should not be taken lightly.

He urged Milne Bay Provincial Government and all state agencies in Alotau to treat this matter as a very serious matter and do their utmost to bring the killers of the policeman to face the law.

Baki commends Wagambie Jnr’s efforts in Lae

Baki has commended Wagambie Jnr for an excellent job in maintaining peace, law and order and security in Lae, especially at the University of Technology campus.

Commissioner Baki said the call by Works and Implementation Minister Francis Awesa to have Chief Superintendent Wagambie Junior removed is insensitive, irresponsible and uncalled for. 

He said Wagambie acted very responsibly and professionally throughout the student unrest and should in fact be commended and not ridiculed.

Awesa asks Kuman to direct release of TFF funds

In the letter, Kuman was asked to direct the National Department of Education (NDOE) to immediately release all outstanding tuition fee free (TFF) education funds destined for Yebi high school for term one and two of 2016 school year.

On May 16 2016, after learning of the dire financial situation faced by Yebi high school, Awesa convened an urgent meeting between the former and current principals to resolve outstanding issues to restore normalcy at the school.