Hela people put country first: Agiru

SOUTHERN Highlands province will use the proceeds of the PNG LNG project to “bridge the gap between first contact and last contact”, Governor Anderson Agiru said yesterday.
Speaking at the signing of the project sanction at Parliament House, Mr Agiru made special mention of Hela MPs James Marape, John Kekeno and Francis Potape, who stood with him for four solid weeks non-stop.
“The gas … will bring in the benefits that my forefathers have foretold centuries ago.
“Hela people are not selfish.
“They put their country first.
“There were many issues that the National Government had not addressed but they also appreciated that the Government of the Grand Chief is beginning to address some of the issues and problems of 20 years ago,” he said.
Mr Agiru said the issues that had hampered his people from moving forward with the gas project were resolved at exactly 4.30am yesterday when he put pen to paper.
“They asked me to convey their appreciation to the Grand Chief for granting them the Hela province and also promising projects which will change the economic landscape and their livelihood.”
Mr Agiru assured the country and project partners that his people will give 110% support to the project.