Let’s learn from Japan on culture, technology

 ON behalf of our people in Bogia and Angoram districts, I would like to thank, commend and welcome the JICA technical recommendation and action plan regarding hydro-electric power in Papua New Guinea.

Not so long ago, I was selected as part of a technical team (only PNG National at that time) on behalf of Telikom PNG Limited and the PNG Government to travel to Japan.

Working with Japanese factory engineers, we tested and accepted microwave radio telecommunications, video, audio, television equipment and its power supplies for Telikom PNG Limited and the PNG Government to purchase and to ensure the equipment met and International Telecommunication Union standards as passed in Geneva in the Nippon Electric Company factory in Yokohama, Japan.

The Japanese are well known for their standards and have very exceptional high standards in manufacturing and strive to maintain those high Standards in all circumstances. 

And having worked along the Japanese engineers I must say I thank and commend PPL, IPBC and the National Government in selecting JICA.

I hope that after the hydro-electric projects are installed and upgraded the National Government give some thought in extending power to our people in Bogia, Madang, and Angoram, East Sepik. 

I hope the Japanese government considers some funding in extending power and solar power, solar vaccine fridges, solar street lighting, schools solar lighting, solar water pumping in various villagers if the National Government is not able to. 

The Japanese are very polite and humble people and though Japan has advanced in technology at a very fast pace, the people still maintain their age-old traditions, customs and values. 

Despite the effects of World War 2, Japan came out of the ashes and within 40 years became an economic superpower.

We should learn something from the Japanese as they have much to teach us both in culture and technology, which may assist our country propel forward in development using green technology.

Luimack Johnson, Via email