Geno: Relocate capital

 By SHIRLYN BELDEN 

SENIOR public officers have raised concern over the growing population and the need to relocate the centre of government affairs, including the Parliament, for central functions to be executed effectively. 

Former ombudsman and president of PNG Constitutional and Democratic Party (PNGCD) Ila Geno told The National last week that the concern was paramount for people development and economic security for future generations. 

Ila said it was important that the government should start considering the future economy and how the money and resources generated by the vast mineral prospects would be stored and used for people development in the future.  

“The politics of today is very much influenced by the US currency and I hate to think that if we are not careful enough our country will lose economy wise. 

“We will not dominate or monopolise it,” he said.  

“Money generated from our own gas, copper and other minerals will be translated to the new Parliament. 

“I am not saying this will happen over night but citizens and the government must debate and discuss the issue.” 

The idea was incepted by the PNGCD Party led by Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Tobias Kulang under the party’s policies to lobby for the relocation of the Parliament. 

According to Geno the party had identified Arona Valley in Kainantu, Eastern Highlands as the ideal location for the National Parliament. 

General secretary of Pangu Party Morris Tovebae said he supported the agenda because it called for inclusive development where MPs could concentrate and deal with national issues at a central location. 

“The government and Opposition must act on a bi-partisan approach to deal with this issue. It is timely that the government must give it a fair go to debate and assess,” he said. 

“All MPs are in one spot and they concentrate on their responsibilities of national interest.”