District finally linked to rest of PNG

MENYAMYA district in Morobe is finally linked to the world following work to improve the 150km stretch of road from Bulolo to Men­yamya.
That has seen business flowing and the implementation of major impact projects funded under the district services improvement programme (DSIP).
People in the district are now able to access basic government goods and services, Minister for Culture, Arts and Tourism Benjamin Philip said.
Philip, who is also the member for Menyamya, made the comment while presenting his 2010 acquittals on district support grants (DSG) to the Department of Implementation and Rural Development yesterday.
He said Menyamya was one of the most improved districts in Morobe.
Philip said most of his DSIP and DSG had been diverted to rehabilitate infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, health facilities and others that the government never attended to in the past.
A lot of money had been spent on upgrading and maintaining the Bulolo to Menyamya highway because people depended on the road to transport cash crops such as coffee and other products to markets.
“When they have good roads, all the other government services are easily flowing, which is a relief for the people who had in the past been denied access to basic services like health and education,” Philip said.
He said most DSIP and DSG funds had been allocated to churches and women groups because they contributed enormously to the development of the country and district.
“Apart from health and education, I allocated funds to culture and tourism, community-based associations, business assistance, law and order, Concordia-Tsewi road construction, communications and banks.
“As such, this programme has proven to be very successful and for which I am very grateful and my joint districts planning and budget priorities committee will continue to support this form of activities,” Phi­lip said.