Deputy PM: PNG needs home-grown solutions

DEPUTY Prime Minister Dr Puka Temu has appealed to everyone to celebrate Christmas peacefully and with respect for fellow citizens, friends and visitors.
Dr Temu, who is also Minister for Lands and Physical Planning and Mining, said in his Christmas message that 2007 was very special that went down in history as the year that set the foundation for real peace.
“As a leader, I am very proud that as a people we are bonded together as one and not only had a very successful general election but it was also one of the most peaceful.”
He said the outcome of the general election also gave Papua New Guinea a political milestone.
“For the first time since independence, one Government was allowed to rule for two consecutive terms,” Dr Temu said.
“Not only is political stability critical for economic growth and development but it is also important in ensuring that the peace that emanated from our people during the general election is sustained and strengthened.”
He said the road over the last 32 years of independence had not been easy and acknowledged that much more work was required towards building a harmonious and prosperous nation.
He said the Somare-Temu Government would persist with the formula that brought about economic recovery and success over the last five years.
“We plan to consolidate and improve the macroeconomic performance of the economy by creating a stable investment climate, providing an efficient, effective and affordable private sector and ensuring a competitive and dynamic private sector,” he said.
“I am mindful of the fact that after 32 years of political independence, our people still lack the basic services, particularly in the rural areas.”
Dr Temu said most people now expected a different result from the development programmes and Government interventions.
“It is therefore very critical that we do things differently from the last 32 years if we are to deliver a different result for our people.”
He said PNG needed home-grown solutions, not cut and paste solutions from everywhere.