NCD Governor

“We share this time of sadness and grief with the immediate family of the Late Kato Ottio, truly humble individual and a rugby league icon and champion.

“Our condolences also to the Rugby League fraternity on the loss of a very promising young talent and a great ambassador of the game.

Both leaders urged citizens to refrain from making assumptions at this early stage adding that it is very important that the cause of death is priority, and a complete investigation is conducted.

The Governor said that he and the NCDC management are adamant to draw up amicable solutions to offer cheap, affordable and uninterrupted public transport system.

“In the last 10 years I have been giving excuses and shifting the responsibility of public transport entirely to the Department of Transport.

“I have to work with the Minister and the Department and if we can get the powers to NCDC, we will do that” Parkop said.

He added they will work with the PMV owners and operators to deliver a better service, a service that is reliable and efficient.

This concept will be applied to close the disparity that has existed in the city for the last 4 decades.

The NCD Governor Powes Parkop said the city’s way forward is outlined in 4 clearly articulated goals;

•             Improve peace and security in the city

•             Modernize Motu Koita Villages

•             Upgrade settlements to proper suburbs

•             And improve the conditions of existing suburbs

The car – a Toyota grande – is believed to be from the NCD governor’s office, according to the Traffic Police.

As per witnesses, the heavily intoxicated driver drove out the intersection at Vulupindi Haus during the early hours of December 24^th.

Instead of turning left towards the traffic lights, he drove straight towards the opposite side of the road.

The vehicle slightly hit the bustop stand before crashing head-on into the fence of the stadium propelling onto the beach volleyball court and going right under the benches.

Parkop said those who carried out the eviction should hang their head in shame.

The Governor said if there was merit to the eviction order, the police should have waited until after the New Year.

“Evicting families during a time of peace and harmony is a cruel act,” he said.

“I will find out and will help resolve the matter if I can.”

Over K2,000 worth of belongings, five people and three motorists were reportedly assaulted on Sunday at different locations.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop described the situation as ‘regrettable’.

He is saddened by what had occurred to residents but he will not let these hooligans stop the weekly walk, which has been going on for over two years.

Responding to this newsroom, the governor reiterated that the walk is for residents to feel they belong.

Speaking to the media about the PNG LNG Kumuls’ recent match with the Ireland, he said Kumuls have proven their defence against the Ireland team by coming on top and moving further into the preliminary finals.

“I am very confident the PNG LNG Kumuls can go as far as meeting the Australian Kangaroos,” he states.

Parkop’s call to the PNG Kumuls is to have self-belief.

“The opportunity is really out there for us to make history.”

The Governor says he is happy that Port Moresby is part of the history making.

The backlash follows experience from previous years where opportunists made the area unsafe for residents during such events.

Parkop, when questioned about residents’ safety, gave his assurance that authorities are doing more than enough to make such night events as safe as possible.

He said no mayor or governor of any city can guarantee absolute safety for their people; authorities can only give assurance that they will do their best by putting security mechanisms in place.

The Governor revealed this during the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry breakfast today.

Parkop said an improved transportation system was needed so that it minimised or eliminated disruptions to daily transportation needs.

His comments follow the recent strike by PMV operators in the capital city, temporarily shutting down transportation services.

He said plans to introduce a more efficient transportation system had been shelved in the past however, the recent PMV strike was the final straw.

This was stated by NCD Governor, Powes Parkop, during a phone event launch on Sunday.

“The city is ready to host the nations coming in to play against the PNG Kumuls.”

A confident Governor Parkop said the PNG Kumuls might possibly make it to the semi-finals if they train and play hard in their matches.

“We are going to deliver a successful event when the matches will be hosted here in the nation’s capital and we look forward to coming here and experiencing rugby matches the PNG way,” he said.