K100 billion in SWF untimely

THE government’s initiative of PNG having a So­vereign Wealth Fund (SWF) is impressive, provided all is managed pro­perly.
However, it is untimely to put such a massive amount of money into the SWF when basic services such as roads, hospitals and schools are in shambles.
What the government must do urgently is to channel funds to get all existing roads sealed, connect districts and villages, upgrade deteriora­ting school infrastructures, improve rural aid posts and urban hospitals and fix youth unemployment.
We have heard talk of millions of kina given for special projects but very little has changed the welfare of the majority of rural populace.
The standard of of our rural people must always be the priority if we are to measure a nation’s pro­gress or development.
We cannot stash away K100 billion into the SWF to feel good about ourselves and show the rest of the world that we have a capable economy at the  expense of deteriorating  basic services and welfare of our people.
The government has done a good job to bring PNG back on track, so get our people’s welfare at least up to par too.
That’s what matters.
Our MPs must get rid of the “big man” mentality and humbly serve the people in delivering sustainable projects and basic services.
Having said that, I commend Prime Minister Peter O’Neill for the excellent work in Pangia-Ialibu electorate.
Other MPs should see how their prime minister is performing in his electorate.

Yaro Yambi 
Waikato, NZ