Infrastructure

O’Neill made this statement today when officially opening the Sir Reuben Taureka Highway along the Six-Mile to Bautama turn-off in the Central Province.

He said his government has been criticised for building infrastructure in the nation’s capital lately.

However, he said those criticisms are mere talk to get political gain.

“Criticisms are sometimes very healthy when its constructive criticism and not unnecessary criticisms.

“When you do such criticisms that is not constructive, you are simply making me stubborn.

These projects have resulted in better school infrastructure, health facilities, and the upgrading of key roads, creating better access to services for locals.

The Nokon, Kabil and Huris Communities in Namatanai District, as well as Madina Secondary School in Kavieng District, are recipients of the projects.

Madina Secondary School had renovation and construction work on 11 staff houses and an update on its power reticulation.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill when giving his speech at the opening of the 14th Mining conference today in Sydney, Australia said the Government is not just developing the cities with improved infrastructure, but it is right across the country.

“For decades our ports, roads, and public buildings had not been maintained and had been left to ruin.
“We have restored assets where we could and built new infrastructure where it is was needed.
Now we are seeing greater productivity in Government, and greater opportunity for business and our people.

The partnership between the state and major private companies has delivered K531.8 million between 2013 and July of 2016 according to the Department of National Planning and Monitoring.

These funds have been invested in education and health, law and justice, transport and utilities, and administration.

The five main players in partnership with the government under the scheme are New Britain Palm Oil (NBPOL), Newcrest Mining Limited (NML), Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML), Porgera Joint Venture (PJV), and Oil Search Limited (OSL).