Bird wants development projects to benefit locals

By GYNNIE KERO
EAST Sepik Governor Allan Bird wants development projects in the province such as the airport extension to create jobs and business opportunities for locals.
Bird was joined by the six MPs from the province at Boram airport yesterday to welcome Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and some Cabinet Ministers to Wewak.
He told O’Neill they might be sitting on opposite benches in Parliament but East Sepik would always welcome the nation’s leader.
“If something is not right we (Opposition MPs) will speak out. But when you come to our home Prime Minister we welcome you,” Bird said.
“You are free to visit East Sepik and look around and inform the people of services your government is delivering.”
Bird thanked the assistance and support given to the province.
“The European Union has approved funding for cocoa, SME, rural electrification,” he said.
“The people of East Sepik are happy to benefit from government services but we want to work harder.”
He told O’Neill East Sepik would “invite you again”.
“Next time it will be a bigger crowd and we will give you and your delegates each a pig to take back so make sure to come with two planes.”
He also said local young people “are not happy when our business opportunities and jobs are given to foreigners”.
“I want to ask when this project kicks off if contractors give sub-contracts to people of ESP, especially the Wewak locals. I want to ask the contractor to provide jobs for locals like machine operators.”
O’Neill said Bird was showing the “true signs of a leader” similar to Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
“Wewak and East Sepik is an important province with potential. Wewak town roads will be sealed with contract already on tender to be approved next week.
“Today we also launch three new bridges which will connect our people also under the ADB project.
“I also agree with the governor. We are talking with ADB to make sure our people participate (getting sub contracts and employment) in these programmes.”