Governor opposes highway

 CENTRAL Governor Kila Haoda is opposing the Government’s planned multi-million kina Trans-island Highway because of the negative social impact it will create.

Haoda made his views known during the presentation of a cheque for K200,000 to Digicel Foundation to provide basic health and education projects in the province.

He said leaders in Central were worried about the social impacts they would face once the highway was completed. The MPs from Central will present a petition from the people to the Government opposing the highway linking Port Moresby, Central, Gulf and Morobe provinces.

“The people’s welfare is my concern. We will petition the Government that we don’t feel it’s the right time for the project,” he said.

“We are concerned about the people (although) the project is of national importance.”

Central leaders are worried that the opening of the highway will allow more people from the highlands provinces to come to Port Moresby, creating more social problems such as squatter settlements and unemployment.

Haoda said the 15 local level government presidents and MPs were against the project.

It is understood only Abau MP and Minister for Public Service Sir Puka Temu is supporting the Government project.