City will expand, Parkop says

By HELEN TARAWA
THE National Capital District will continue to expand despite criticisms, Governor Powes Parkop says.
Speaking at the official opening of the K10 million one-stop fish market at Koki yesterday, Parkop told officials, stakeholders and the people of Moresby South that as long as he was governor, he would continue to push for the expansion of the capital city.
“In this city, we have very clear plans. We know what we have to do to set the benchmark for this city, Parkop said.
“Population is increasing, economy is increasing and we cannot be complacent and keep the city locked in the past where there is no expansion, no new roads, no new facilities.
“We have to do the hard yard, we have to push for expansion and all these facilities to take place and we have been privileged that the national government has been very supportive.
“It has caused a lot of envy and people around the country making complaints but today I want to make this clear.”
Parkop said NCDC hardly received grants from the Government.
“We don’t get education, health and infrastructure grants. We only had allocation for the industrial road at Gordon. That’s the time when we experienced the highest economic growth of 8 per cent to 10 per cent,” he said.
“In four years we have delivered amazing things and things that are here for our city and our country for the long term.
“This is one of investments that will be here for our capital city, for our nation, our people in the length and breath of our country forever.
“It’s an investment for the entire country. Everyone uses Port Moresby and all the investments here are from the provincial governments.
“They all have investment here in our capital city and they are benefiting.
“Whatever the Government gives, whether it’s from NFA, or Treasury, or Works, you can see what we have done with it.
“I’m very happy that we have delivered on time to the budget and everyone can see it, touch it and feel it and enjoy it and use it to build a better future for all of us.”