development

Works Minister, Solan Mirisim, and Prime Minister James Marape made the commitment during the launching of the Nawaeb District 5-Year Development Plan at Boana Station on Tuesday, September 12th.

“I am thankful that Minister Mirisim has committed the National Government to seal this entire road in 2024 onwards,” said the first term MP, Pelgen. 

He outlined that this vital road serves the district administrative headquarters and the people of Wain-Erap LLG, and will definitely set a priority for the people of Nawaeb.

He said a number of road projects under the CONNECT PNG program is being carried out in the province, but progress has been threatened by political infighting and constant harassment by people with political affiliations. 

“The CONNECT PNG program is a well-planned infrastructure development program that is a game changer. It will open up the country, and drive growth in our non-resources sector of the economy as we move away from dependence on the resource sector. 

The road, now completed by Koya Investment Company Limited with funding from the provincial government.

Leaders of the surrounding areas expressed gratitude towards all stakeholders involved in the project, during a gathering at Dilikomana Village.

Acting Police Station Commander of Kwikila police station Sergeant Bobby Ogara added that unreported crimes, including sexual offences in North Rigo are on the rise because police could not access the area.

The two nations have collaboratively undertaken the PNG Institutional Partnerships Program, marking a new chapter in their cooperative efforts.

Under the aegis of this program, Australia has actively supported over 40 dedicated PNG public servants in their pursuit of professional development. These individuals underwent specialized training at the esteemed Australian Public Service Academy, participating in the transformative course titled 'Building and Developing High Performance Teams'.

Morobe Province’s only female Early Childhood Education (ECE) mentor, Esther Anonga, appealed to the government to invest in the upskilling and inservice of teachers.

“Teachers must know the curriculum before they teach,” she stated.

“Without curriculum, I don’t think people will know the right thing to do and they must understand how to utilise it, the skills and strategies, the concepts and ideas especially.

“Teachers must be trained. Our government of the day should provide support so teachers will be well-trained so that they may know the curriculum well.

The discussion ranged around the employment, skills development and impacts the project would have.

The Minister explored how this significant project could provide more jobs, support skills development and boost national productivity.

Last week, contractors moved into these areas and have begun doing clearance to pave way for power poles to be erected and putting in place necessary infrastructure such as roads.

Vital services in these communities were destroyed following the twin volcanic eruptions in 1994. But this is about to change with the K4 million Rural Electricity project and K2 million Namanula road upgrade.

Lae MP and Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso, said the first one is the K42 million double-storey market.

“Construction is close to being undertaken,” said Rosso.

“Designs and everything have been completed and it’s now going through the procurement process.

“That’s in partnership with the Australian and New Zealand governments.”

Another development that has already been designed and is currently awaiting funding is the foreshore development at the DCA beach.

Governor Peter stated that that provincial government’s priority is twofold when awarding contracts – the first is to ensure value for money is gained by the Province and, that private partnership is strengthened in the province.

The signing of a Memorandum of Agreement  and the recent ground breaking ceremony kicks off the construction of the 2km road project.

The access feeder road starts in Avei Village and connects to the existing road that passes through the six impact villages, into the hinterlands of West Mekeo.

Local woman, Solance Aitsi, through tears of relief and joy, recalled the challenges of the old Veifa'a Inawi road where they were harassed by opportunists, and had to cross flooded rivers that were waist deep, just to avoid this.