The Madang urban local level government (MULLG) has been urged to establish sister relationship with an urban authority in Australia to improve the town image.
The call was made by former Madang regional MP Sir Peter Barter in a correspondence sent to MULLG acting town manager John Barre early this week.
“My reason for writing this letter is to strongly recommend that the MULLG follow the same example as Alotau to establish a sister relationship with an urban authority in Australia, perhaps Cairns,” Sir Peter’s letter reads.
Alotau recently established a sister relationship with Queensland and the national capital district with Townsville.
Sir Peter said that would not exclude the possibility with other sister city relationships being created in other countries.
“It is quite obvious the way we are going, we are not providing the essential services that Madang residents deserve,” he said.
Sir Peter said the town remains filthy with plastic bags strewn everywhere including the waterways, which were doing considerable damage to the environment.
“The roads remain the same, bandaid approaches will not cure the problem, they need complete maintenance, the proliferation of vendors selling buai and other even more less desirable produce is disgusting,” he highlighted in his letter.
Sir Peter, a stalwart in promoting tourism in Madang and PNG said the festive season provided the time to reflect on the past and to look forward to a brighter year ahead.
Sir Peter said the cutting of grass was spasmodic and it would remain that way until competent gardeners are engaged to level the ground, so grass could be cut at least cost and quickly.
He also said business houses in general do not look after their maintenance or appearance, particularly those owned and operated by Asians and Papua New Guineans.
“The kai bars and restaurants operate without any checks on hygiene,” he pointed out.
He said buildings go up without any approval, the road to the airport was a classic example of an urban disaster.
“The lack of an updated urban plan and the lack of enforcement of LLG law and coupled with what appears to be the inability of the MULLG to pass legislation.
“These need help but before anyone can help, you must begin to help yourself but for all intent and purposes the MULLG is invisible,” Sir Peter said.
“I hope that you accept this letter as constructive criticism as all of us are charged with the responsibility of making the earth a better place, and most importantly, to protect our fragile environment.
“Like many responsible residents, we are all eager to help. If you wish to proceed with a sister relationship with a city in Australia, to classify Madang as a city let me know,” Sir Peter said.