Focus shifts to towns

By GYNNIE KERO
PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill says it is time to build towns such as Madang because cities have already seen sufficient development.
“I’ve changed Port Moresby, Lae and Hagen. We are going to change Kokopo and I can guarantee you I can change Madang for you. We have done enough for our cities. Now we have to build our towns.”
He opened multi-million kina infrastructure projects yesterday saying Madang would be the driving factor for business, agriculture and tourism development.
O’Neill also opened the re-built Banab bridge which collapsed in January last year.
O’Neill said five more bridges in Madang would be rebuilt costing almost K100 million, funded by the European Union.
He officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony for the K77.5 million Madang airport and extension project, before re-opening the Banab bridge which collapsed in January last year.
“We opened the Banab bridge and launched six more projects for Madang. Bridges will start from Watarais to Madang town. They will be double-lane bridges and work will start soon,” he said.
“On top of that, we will start renovating roads from Watarais to Madang airport. This project has taken time to happen due to lack of funding.
“When you add all these projects up, (the total cost is between) K500 million to K600 million.” They include the airport extension, the Pacific Marine Industrial Zone, Ramu bridges and road upgrading.
O’Neill urged leaders to set aside their political differences and work together to deliver such services to the people of Madang and the country.
“Leave politics aside. 2017 (general election) is gone. Let’s get to work.
“We don’t hold grudges against anyone. It is very important for the provincial government to work in partnership to enable service delivery to our people.”
Civil Aviation Minister Alfred Manase said the upgrading of the airports in Madang, Wewak, and Vanimo under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Programme were financed by the Asian Development Bank and the Government, and implemented by the National Airports Corporation at a total cost of K164.35 million.
The programme has already been rolled out in Mt Hagen, Kimbe, Popondetta and Goroka.
“By 2022, all of the airport development projects currently being undertaken with our development partners will have been completed.”