Consultations on special economic zone starts

INITIAL consultations have commenced in Gazelle, East New Britain, to map out a way forward for the proposed Gazelle Agro Special Economic Zone (Gasez).
Last year, the provincial government declared Gazelle to be the industrial hub of the province.
This massive economic impact project will cover the five local level governments (LLGs) in the district.
Gazelle MP Jelta Wong told the people during consultations that the project would promote exports of local goods and services, investments from both domestic and international sources, create employment and develop and improve enablers and other infrastructures.
Wong and staff from provincial and district administration visited Inland and Lassul Baining LLGs last weekend.
The visit was part of a series of stakeholder consultation and advocacy meetings facilitated by the Gazelle administration and the technical working committee tasked by the district development authority (DDA) to do the preparatory work required to realise the special economic zone.
A spokesman told The National that some of the issues highlighted by the locals included a break down in basic service delivery, irregular presence of government extension officers, lack of government presence, lack of reliable and affordable communication in schools and health facilities, law and order issues, and lack of economic opportunities especially in agriculture, tourism and fisheries.
He said those issues were taken onboard and would be prioritised for appropriate action in a submission to the Gazelle DDA board.