Richard Maru

The Minister for Trade, Industry and Commerce was speaking at the official launching of the PMIZ project this afternoon.

The launching at the project site at Vidar in Madang Province was witnessed by more than 2000 people.

Maru added that he was tempted to move the project to another province after four years of delay.

The delay was a result of court action instigated by landowners in the impacted areas.

"This project is the catalyst for development in Madang," Maru said.

Maru was responding to a PNG Loop question over the issue of the PMIZ today in Port Moresby.

He said “these are all lies’’ and people needed to know the facts about the project and stop misleading the media.

He said many lies had been going on about the project and those “telling the lies” were trying to destroy the project.

However, Maru said he will not tolerate those lies and will continue with the project.

 Preparations are well underway. All PMVs in the district have been hired, banners  have been hung along the Sepik Highway and roads in the district.

 Awareness messages have been given to schools in all the four) LLGs of the district --  Numbo,Sausso, East and West Yangoru.

Minister for Trade Commerce and Industry and Member for Yangoru-Saussia District, Richard Maru said activities will start today culminating with the SME Day on Friday.