Chamber wants board set up

THE Goroka chamber of commerce and industry wants appointments to the provincial planning board made soon to get businesses moving.
Chamber president Chris Anders told The National this was raised in a recent meeting.
“The chamber became aware that the provincial planning board appointment had been deferred to 2021,” he said.
“Only after this appointment will other boards be established such as the provincial lands board, provincial road transport board.
“The provincial government needs to budget for and re-establish these boards.” He said water supply was one of the town’s biggest problems.
“It was pleasing to see that the new MP brought this issue up in Parliament.
“The basic problem is that the demand for water is greater than the capacity to produce.
“Hopefully funding for a larger water facility can be found.” It is estimated that only about 30 per cent of town residents pay water rates.
“As part of a new facility, a business plan should be drawn up on how to run the water and sewage as a business,” he said.
He said waste collection and management was a concern for many businesses.
“Waste and sewage are great challenges as there is no funding for it.
“The sewage ponds near the blind centre have not been completed. The rubbish dump is causing problems for those living close to the area.”