Task force quizzed
IT saddens me when hospitals have to hold fundraising drives to raise money to buy essential drugs and consumables. As a health care provider, I feel cheated when these items are not available for us at least to provide basic care. We are the custodians of the health of Papua New Guineans. We are accountable for the mess that we have subject our people to. What happened to the 1999 commission of inquiry into the drug scandal? Now that the Health Minister has formed a task force to report on the drug situation within seven days, I sincerely hope that it is not made up of the people who landed us in this mess. – Dr Lawrence, MBP

Feel for road commuters
THE Baliora-Toma road needs urgent maintenance and upgrading. I could not believe the terrible condition of the road when I was on holidays recently. Although the road from Kokopo to the Baliora-Warongoi junction is good, the same cannot be said about the Baliora-Toma stretch. The attempt to maintain the road by filling up certain parts with earth is not a wise idea because the earth is easily washed away by the rain. I appeal to those responsible to do a proper job. You must feel for the commuters using this road to do business in Kokopo and Warongoi. – Rochus Mission, Tabubil

Criminal activities slammed
I REFER to the recent media reports on the criminal activities along the Mendi-Tari road in the Hela region of Southern Highlands province. I want to say that the people of Hela and SHP condemn such activities. I call on the authorities to apprehend the culprits who have brought shame and disrepute to our province. The people of Poroma, Nembi Plateau, Kutubu and Bosavi LLGs offer our sincere apologies and sympathies to our fellow brothers and sisters who have suffered injuries and losses along the road. – Robin Wela, Ipotowa Nakisi, Nembi Plateau LLG, SHP

Lai people proud of Agiru
I WOULD like to thank Governor Agiru for recognising Lai Valley in his 2007 Budget Review and offering the position of acting deputy governor to our LLG head. Successive governments and politicians have made huge promises during election but failed to deliver once they get into power. Although the bulk of the population of the valley did not vote for him, yet he put us before other districts and LLGs in the province and this is something the valley will not forget. We are sure this is the start of many things to come to come. – KenG, via email

Wewak town needs cleaning
THE Wewak town authority must embark on a clean-up drive as the place is covered with betelnut stains, plastic, paper and the informal sector markets are on the sides and corners of the roads. Why can’t the vendors sell their smoke and lollies in the market? I also believe prostitutes are negotiating with customers along the roadside stalls. The streets of Wewak town must be free of litter and makeshift stalls. – John Kriosaki, Wewak

Landlines not guaranteed
FAR too many deliberate acts of sabotage on Telikom’s network facilities have been carried out lately. One is tempted to think that mobile phones are being pushed down our throats with the message that landlines are insecure, therefore get a mobile. – Disturbed user, via email