Photo Credit: Department of Prime Minister & National Executive Council
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP, has officially opened the K66 million Bulolo Highway restoration project in Morobe Province.
The Bulolo Highway, according to PM Marape, is a major route that will benefit the people of Bulolo and the Morobe Province because it is home to several important projects such as Zenag Chicken and Bulolo Forest Products.
“Coffee, copra and other small to medium enterprises like alluvial mining will rely and depend on the road," he said.
“It is right and proper because there are many businesses and industries that contribute heavily and have an impact on the economy.
“Now, more importantly with the up-coming Wafi Gold Mine and the existing Hidden Valley Mine, it is a right decision by the National Government and not because my Deputy Sam Basil is the Member for Bulolo."
PM Marape told hundreds of people gathered in Wau that the government's Connect PNG 2020-2040 Road Plan aimed to open up the country through roads.
“By 2025, when PNG celebrates 50 years of Independence, a good road network must connect our country," he said.
“Therefore, this 9-Mile to Wau-Bulolo National Highway is very important.
"The road from Garaina in Morobe Province should link Goilala in Central Province and to Kerema in Gulf Province, and open up and rehabilitate our existing road network."
PM Marape asked people to look after government-funded projects, till their land, and engage in activities that would benefit them and their families, rather than getting engaged in narcotics and illegal activities.
The Australian Government is funding the Bulolo Highway under the Department of Works' Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP).
PM Marape announced a K1 million National Government commitment for the Bulolo District Education sector, in addition to the regular Government District Service Improvement Program (DSIP) funds.
The National Gaming and Control Board, he added, will provide that funds on behalf of the national government (NGCB).
“I am concerned that we are creating many high schools, and there are many children coming out of our education system and do not have a second chance," PM Marape said.
“I am appealing to students who are wandering around to get enrolled in the Flexible Open Distance Education (FODE) and other technical and vocational centres."
The National Government also wants the National Development Bank (NDB) to build a branch in Wau, according to PM Marape. He announced K50,000 in financing for rugby league tournaments in Wau and Bulolo, as well as K50,000 apiece for women's and men's basketball competitions in Wau.
PM Marape travelled to Wagau LLG with DPM Basil to kick off the sealing and upgrading of the Gabensis to Buang road.
He handed over K3 million to contractor Kaia Works for the sealing of an additional 8 kilometres of road, which would assist thousands of residents in the Buang LLG.
PM Marape and DPM Basil mended political disagreements during the no-confidence vote in November while in Wagau.
DPM Basil expressed regret for listening to other politicians who wanted to replace PM Marape, and he apologized to PM Marape for lying to him.
He stated that he will cooperate with Prime Minister Marape now and until the 2022 election.
PM Marape expressed his delight at DPM Basil's return to the government and stated that he accepts him fully.
“I want to say that Minister Basil is a leader in his own right and has the right to make his own move and decision," he said.
“I did not ask him to leave and always told him his position of Deputy Prime Minister was still vacant for him to return and reclaim."
Under the Bulolo District Rural Electrification Program, PM Marape also turned on the lights in Mapos 2 Village in Buang LLG.
DPM Basil was commended by PM Marape for providing services and development to his people, and he was asked to keep up the excellent work.
He slept at DPM Basil's house in Sagaiyo Village for the night.
He was also present at the opening of the Mumeng District Rural Local Lock-up, for which the National Government has pledged K50 million.
“The plan is to build a proper Correctional Service lock-up and will ensure the inmates can attend the Mumeng vocational school,” PM Marape said.
He also unveiled the ‘Golpu House' building of the Mumeng LLG District, the Mumeng Town road sealing and street lighting project, the National Pastors' Conference Church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG Mumeng District and the Mumeng Town project.
Reference:
Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council (19 June 2021). “PM Marape launches over K60 million worth of road projects in Morobe”.
