Where is the Rigo MP?
I WAS excited when Ano Pala, the former clerk of the Haus Tambaran, was declared the member for Rigo. However, nine months have elapsed and there is no plans on how the electorate will be developed. The people are crying for development and services. While his fellow MPs, especially those from Southern
Highlands, have been assisting parents to pay their children’s tertiary education and busily planning and implementing what they promised, Pala appeared to have gone into hiding, just like those before him. I would like to remind him that our students are the future and backbone of the electorate. The MP can make history by developing Rigo and bringing in much needed services. At the rate we are going, I am sure Rigo will once again go into slumber for the next four years. There is nothing to look forward to. Where are you honorable member? Are you free to serve the people of Rigo now? – Patriotic Rigoan, via email

Pedestrian crossings lacking
AFTER the completion of the Poreporena Freeway, roads in the National Capital District have been taking new shape between the late 1990s and early 2000s. They have eased the movement of vehicles and commuters within the city. However, there appears to be little regard for the safety of the general public. Pedestrian crossings and traffic lights are few. For example, there is no single crossing put up between the City Hall and Garden Hill section even though it is one of the busiest areas in the city. Everyday people are exposed to injury and even death crossing roads whether to get to work, school, perform their chores or to play. I have had several close misses with
fast-moving vehicles even though the speed limits are between 40 and 50kph. – S.K.Noku, Port Moresby

Corruption draining our purse
THESE days, it is becoming more difficult to get things done without having to pay a bribe to someone. More sickening is the corruption that occurs at the higher level and involving significant amounts. They steal hundreds of thousands or even millions and if suspended, they will engage lawyers to get them off. Sometimes, much money is spent on investigations but when the culprits are finally found guilty, the authorities decide not to take further action. All this is draining our economy and the grassroots people continue to suffer. – Wisopi Hapandaku, Port Moresby

Ban pilai kas too
I appreciate the recent effort by Goroka MP Thompson Harokaqveh to ban high-low games in Goroka town. The citizens of Goroka town appreciate this. However, there is one more game the MP needs to ban too. It is a card game called pilai kas in pidgin. – Drex Gene Iyovo, China

OTML strike expected
THE OTML strike comes as no surprise. How can a world renowned mining company pay its national employees less, provide less job training, hardly listens to recommendations made by employees to improve aspects of the operations and expect to continue to meet its targets? I hope my ex-colleagues back there are ultimately given a fair deal. Sapos nogat, there are a lot of jobs outside of PNG, with better conditions and packages, including career development. – Ex-wok boi, via email

Thank you, Digicel
I WAS amazed that I was able to speak to my loved ones in a very remote village called Pikil in lower Kaugel, Tambul district, Western Highlands province, recently. The reception was very clear. Before I went abroad, I lived in Port Moresby. When my landline “went dead”, it took Telikom three years to repair and reconnect it, leaving me so frustrated. It took Digicel less than a year to connect this rural village since its launch. The company is certainly reaching out to the people of PNG. I would like to encourage Digicel to continue moving into the rural areas because that’s where the majority of the population is. I can tell you they will love your service. It is about time Telikom seriously improve its services. If you continue to leave your customers in frustration, you will lose them to your competitor. Tenk yu tru, Digicel. – Bata Tom, Manila
Letters