Wosera-Gawi needs services
THE people of Wosera-Gawi are calling upon our Member to seriously look into delivering essential goods and services to the electorate. Wosera-Gawi is the least developed district when compare to rest of the districts in Papua New Guinea. Basic services in terms of roads, bridges, health and education, law and justice and economic sector have not been addressed for the last 30 years. They are in the brink of collapse. The MP must give priority to upgrade and maintain these basic services. Our cash crop such as coffee and cocoa would do well in the international market as the global market prices for these crops are high but the people are let down by poor road conditions. There is no access for us to send and sell our crops which are growing in abundance, thus denying us of a chance to earn and enjoy foreign exchange earnings. The Member should look into revitalising the non-existing commodity agencies in the district. – Moses Praki, Kamgei village, Wosera, ESP

Students exercising rights
ACCORDING to the media, Unitech’s current problems in recent days are attributed to the increase in fees for the 2008 academic year. The students are right in demanding to know the reasons for the increase as well as the reasons for the lack of development. However, if there is any lesson to be learnt from Unitech’s experience by other PNG universities, it is not to reveal policy changes during the peak period of studies, especially towards the end of the semester when students are preparing for their examinations. In addition, never make decisions without or little consultation with the Student Representative Councils. The students are putting their studies on the line and are willing to stand up for what they believe is just. Universities exist to promote independent thinking and learning and so the students’ potentials to enquire for information cannot be undermined. – Bomai D Witne, Goroka

Churches’ silence deafening
I READ both daily papers online and I am not impressed because the churches in PNG are not speaking out against the present issues facing the nation, namely the Motigate, violence against women and refugees camping at Ela Beach, just to name a few. I am wondering what they are preaching to their people from their pulpits. Please churches, especially the prominent ones or mainline churches, say something regarding these issues affecting PNG as it will certainly make some difference. Your silence can be interpreted with negativity and insensitiveness to your prophetic mission in PNG. – Church observer, Manila, Philippines

Bring services for ‘back page’
I REFER to the overall decline in the Western Highlands province. The population rate is outstripping economic growth, meaning there are fewer resources for the people in rural areas like Tambul, Jimi, Dei and Mul Baiyer districts. Development is not distributed evenly and the so-called “back page” people hardly see or get any basic services. The rural health clinics, schools and feeder roads are run-down and neglected for more than 20 years. There is no water and power supply. Tom Olga, who is also from the “back page” knows how life is like and we hope he would fulfil the aspirations of the people who gave him the mandate. – Pepna Yap, Madang

More money for more houses
THE announcement of K40 million to house public servants is long overdue. This is a reality check – about 20% of the middle level and long serving senior servants are either renting or living in their run-down private homes. Another 20% stay with relatives, which does not provide privacy at all. The majority are staying in settlements. However, the people who are enjoying the privilege are the upper senior management level and the executive level. Unfortunately, in my opinion, K40 million is not enough to cover the whole country. Therefore, more money is needed if the Government is talking building houses across the country. – Jofi Maitopa, via email

Little lake takes centre stage
THE allocation of K2.1 million to Murik Lakes resettlement in the Supplementary Budget is a waste of public funds. While Angoram district and the rest of PNG are in dire need of funds to rehabilitate the deteriorating basic services, the little lake of Angoram has taken a centre stage. – Not amused, Port Moresby