National Planning and Monitoring

Minister assures ACP

Minister Maru met the ACP Secretary General, Dr. Patrick Gomes, at the margins of the ACP EU Ministerial Meeting in N'Djamena, Capital of the Republic of Chad, Central Africa, on 3 April where they discussed, among other things, Papua New Guinea's role in the current ACP-EU Post Cotonou negotiations.

Kubalia secondary anticipates major changes

Minister Maru said this when visiting the school on October 4th.

The visit was the first in around five years and Minister Maru returned with an important gift.

Minister Maru made a long awaited return to Kubalia to visit its secondary school and to make a significant presentation; a brand new school truck.

Welcomed by hundreds of locals, Acting Principal, Ken Guambagi, thanked Minister Maru for the presentation.

Work on Numbo Bridge set to start

He said he has been advised by Works Secretary, David Wereh, that the materials of the bridge will arrive this week.

The Numbo Bridge will cost K10 million and will be over 50 metres long.

“On the 9th of October, 54 metres in materials of the bridge will come down from Wewak. And the Department of Works will work on both sides to get the bridge up,” said the Minister.

The construction of the Numbo Bridge will accompany construction of the 4-in-1 classroom and four teachers’ houses of Numbo Junior High School.

Special Economic Zone in West Sepik

Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, Richard Maru, revealed this when he arrived in Vanimo, West Sepik Province, yesterday.

Maru is leading a Government delegation on a fact finding mission to see the development of the SEZ in Sandaun.

Accompanying Minister Maru is Minister for Provincial Affairs, Kevin Isifu, PNGDF Commander, Gilbert Toropo, Secretary Transport, Roy Mumu, Secretary for Provincial Affairs, Dickson Guinea, Water PNG Managing Director, Raka Taviri, and National and Civil Identity Registrar, Michael Kumung.

PNG can learn from NZ: Maru

This means looking to accelerate the poultry industry, tourism, creating employment opportunities and trade and investment prospects.

Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, Richard Maru, said taking experiences and learning from countries that have vibrant economies riding on key industries and sectors such as these is critical.

One such country is New Zealand.

“Its main export earnings come from wool, dairy products, tourism and wine making which are significant parts of their economy.”

Jiwaka plantation revival afoot

Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, Richard Maru, announced in Banz on Monday that he intends to assist the province revive all rundown plantations.

Minister Maru informed locals that Jiwaka has one of the most fertile land in the Highlands Region.

However, many of the plantations that once thrived in the area have been neglected.

He said he wants to assist them revive the plantations and has already got the ball rolling.

Minister Maru also announced that he aims to introduce cocoa into the Province.

Minister pledges to help Nazarene Hospital

Despite the hospital being promoted to a provincial hospital status recently, there still remains infrastructural and personnel issues to address.

Maru visited the hospital on Sunday and gave his assurance.

The Minister made a surprise stopover at the Nazarene Hospital at Kudjip as part of his visit to Jiwaka Province.

Greeted by medical missionaries, Maru was given a tour of the facilities.

It was there the medical team informed him of their concerns.

These include facility upgrades and staff housing.

National planning dept inks deal with NRI

This predominantly encompasses the modelling aspect of development planning and in liaison with the National Research Institute, which would shed light on the main features on the reality of the economy and planning.

The model is narrowed down specifically to economic modelling – a mathematical representation of the linkages between selected elements of the economy.

Maru calls for visa outsourcing

Minister Maru said the delay in processing visa applications is a hindrance to trade and investment.

He said during his visit to India in December 2017, he was advised by individuals from various sectors about the delay in approving visas to PNG, which sometimes took months.

Minister Maru said countries around the world, even our nearest neighbours, have reformed their visa requirements and processes, making it much easier for persons from other countries to travel.

National WaSH Authority to be set up

The WaSH Authority aims to oversee the implementation of the WaSH Policy passed by the Government in 2017.

The submission was made by Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, Richard Maru.

In an interview with Loop PNG, Minister Maru said the approval of the submission was great news as the authority can now fully implement a nationwide program for clean water and sanitation services.

He said currently just over 30 percent of the population have access to safe, clean drinking water.