PNG’s remote areas a challenge

The remoteness of areas in PNG makes it hard for delivery of basic services.

Speaking to the 10th APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting in his district on Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Alotau, Charles Abel, highlighted relevant transportation issues in Milne Bay Province that are a reflection of transport issues around the country and the region.  

“Milne Bay is a maritime province. We are traditionally used to navigating in this province and travelling long distances to trade with each other in this area.

“Today, Milne Bay is now revitalising its roads, jetties and wharfs because transportation and logistics are a big thing to us.

“We very much want to be part of the Asia-Pacific region and globally as well for tourism.

“To promote tourism and trade, we have many challenges; the majority of our people live in very difficult terrain which can only be accessed by foot from the nearest national road.”

Abel said their province is also working towards establishing a third level airline to access many of their areas.

“We are working on creating a series of major transport hubs as well and we have recently upgraded Alotau to an international wharf through the PNG Ports Corporation,” he stated.

“Thirty-two international cruise ships have been able to berth at this wharf because of the upgrade.”

The 10th APEC Transportation Ministers Meeting took place in Port Moresby and Alotau from the 6th to the 8th of October.

Author: 
Freddy Mou