Air of optimism promises much

 ANY new beginning brings its share of optimism and expectations of bigger and better things. And 2015 is no different. 

From family homes to bu­siness houses and the corridors of power, 2015 has arrived with similar optimism and expectations for greater achievements, success and prosperity. At the political and government level, 2015 should be another year of implementation of policies, programmes and projects. The past 12 months was the first full year of implementation following a period of preparation, strategising and getting the service delivery machinery place. 

The National Government’s focus on the districts and local level governments should make a greater impact. Again, if all planning is funded and all District Services Improvement Programme (DSIP) funds distributed without prejudice and political considerations, the political leadership can rest assured that its ambitious district plans will bear more fruit for the majority of people living in rural areas. 

Although there has been steady progress made last year, there is a greater need for more infrastructure development and social services in the districts and LLG areas this year.

The government’s tuition free education policy was welcomed with open arms by struggling parents but a few hurdles remain for school authorities, especially with the increased enrolment of school-aged children. It is envisaged that as free education rolls into its third year, some of those niggling issues will be ironed out in preparation for a smooth start to the new school year.

The O’Neill Government’s free public healthcare became a reality last year but access to these services by ordinary citizens, especially in rural areas, remains a major problem given the limited capacity of our public health institutions.

Another milestone was achieved last year with the ExxonMobil-led PNG LNG project, which exported its first liquefied natural gas to its Asian customers ahead of schedule in May.

The massive boost in revenue for the National Government follows the billions of kina the project developers expended during the four-year construction phase as well as taxation revenue, employment and other benefits to the country.

The preparations for the 2015 Pacific Games is the major development focus in the first half of this year with construction of venues and associated facilities in the nation’s capital progressing at a steady pace.  

Despite the worrisome slow start to construction and other hiccups, the Games organisers and Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko remain confident of meeting the deadlines for completion by the start of the sporting extravaganza in July.

It seems the O’Neill Government has every reason to be optimistic of success this year, from the continued implementation of its policy initiatives and programmes such as the DSIP to the preparations and staging of the Pacific Games.

Given the broad development aspirations of PNG Vision 2050 and the mid-term strategic development plan and shorter term plans such as 2015 National Budget, there is very little room for chance. The same is true for large corporate bodies and the smaller businesses which have their own long term targets and the annual budgets to guide them.

With all that level of planning what needs to be done is for us as individuals, companies or government departments to stick to those plans and implement them for a successful and prosperous 2015 and beyond. The way ahead for Papua New Guinea looks all set for a bright and prosperous future. What could possibly derail the country is either a natural calamity of titanic proportions or a global economic disaster such as the financial crisis experienced towards the end of the last decade.

Generally, nations and citizens shape their own destiny. Papua New Guineans should know where we are heading and what challenges lie ahead. Our people have placed their trust and confidence in the current political leadership to navigate the PNG ship and keep it on the right course.

Barring any major hiccups, Papua New Guinea should make good strides over next 12 months.  And the air of optimism is a good tonic for the start of a brand new year.