Richard Maru

Chief executive officer of the Innovative Agro Industry, Lior Crystal, was part of a delegation that flew over to the Sepik Plains on Monday, Sept 18, 2017.

Other parties on the aerial inspection were the Australian High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Bruce Davis, and the CEO of the PNG Cocoa Board, Kautu Boutua.

The delegation was led by the Minister for National Planning and Monitoring, and Member for Yangoru-Saussia, Richard Maru.

National Planning Minister Richard Maru stressed the importance of WASH baseline data recently during the project closing of the seawater desalination project in Manus.

He called on the Government and development partners to fund an urgent nationwide survey on water and sanitation.

Papua New Guinea’s first WASH policy highlights that more than 75 percent of Papua New Guinea’s rural population and 85 percent of the country’s urban population are expected to have better access to improved water and sanitation by 2030.

Speaking during the closing of the saltwater desalination pilot project on Tuesday at Bipi Island, Minister Maru said the people of Manus were very privileged to benefit from such projects.

This project converts beach well water into fresh drinking water, using the technology of reverse osmosis and solar power.

He said many other atoll provinces, who also experience water shortage during the dry seasons, would want to have this but Manus is privileged.

"It’s a big investment. And delivering it here is more expensive than other places," Minister Maru said.

Officers of the National Planning office were given an opportunity to give brief updates on the status of projects that were working on.

They also outlined their plans on how effective this projects will be on the national level.

Hakaua Harry the secretary for planning said the role of the national planning in the development of this country was an important part.

It was also an opportunity that she saw fit to acknowledge former National Planning minister Charles Abel.

Minister Maru highlighted the slow progressing NID project that has to date seen more than K250 million spent.

He says there needs to be a review into this project, as it is a key agenda to ensure the smooth running of sectors such as national planning which in turn impact development and economic growth.

Maru adds that other sectors which also will come under review will be Fisheries, and Agricultural in particular work of organisations such as the Cocoa board.

The Minister is adamant to ensure a thorough and transparent running of the office of planning.

The PNG National Trade Policy was developed over the last three years.

Caretaker Minister for Trade, Richard Maru, says this is one of the Government’s key policy achievements through the Ministry of Trade, Commence and Industry in partnership with the European Union.

The National Trade Policy was endorsed by the National Executive Council in April 2017 before the 10th National Elections.

Maru was declared last night at Yangoru Station as member elect for Yangoru-Saussia District in East Sepik Province.

The PNC candidate, after the elimination round, was declared around 9pm by Returning Officer Martin Wana.

Maru, speaking after the declaration formalities, assured his people that the development projects started in his first term in Parliament will be completed.

He said PNC will form government and will not forget the people of Yangoru-Saussia.

Konga is new ENB governor!

East New Britain Province has a new governor in Nakikus Konga.

http://www.looppng.com/elections/konga-new-enb-governor-63383

Maru will be declared: RO

The people of Yangoru-Saussia in East Sepik have returned Richard Maru to Parliament for his second term.

http://www.looppng.com/elections/maru-will-be-declared-ro-63382

The People's National Congress Party candidate maintained his grip on power after the final elimination this evening.

Returning Officer Martin Wana told Loop PNG at 8:40pm: "I will shortly make a declaration on our sitting member Richard Maru.

"He polled 16,264 to win the Yangoru-Saussia seat, his runner-up on 9,696, (National Alliance Party candidate) Peter Wararu."

In the 2012 National Election, Maru unseated Wararu for his first term as an MP.

(Loop file pic)

Maru is the Minister for Trade, Commerce and Industry and a member of the People’s Congress Party (PNC).

PNC is the major coalition party in the O’Neill- Dion government with over 60 sitting MPs. 

Below is a Voxpop carried out by Loop PNG.    

Fisause Kennedy says the issues surrounding the land acquired by the National Government to develop the Sepik Economic Zone project will affect the MPs chances of securing many votes in Yekembolie, Haripmo, Kainimbu, Maringhie, Hagama villagers in the East Yangoru LLG.