Major changes vital for Northern’s future

 NORTHERN is rated the second least developed province in Papua New Guinea. 

Since independence 40 years ago, nothing seems to change much in terms of infrastructure and development. 

Successive governments have done little or failed to invest in priority areas such as education, health and infrastructure. 

This is a result of poor planning, research and coordination in the planning sector.

For example, high schools in the province do not produce sufficient numbers of graduates for universities and other tertiary institutions. Exploration and satellite data have proven the abundance of earth minerals spreading from the Owen Stanley Ranges to the north coast area (Binandere) but still no mining activities in the province. Cash crops, fishery, forestry and agriculture all have the potential of improving the provincial economy and sustainability of people if proper research, planning and mitigation is done.

The provincial district administration must upgrade its human resource capacity by employing qualified individuals. 

Moreover, the provincial government must invest more in research and planning before allocating funds blindly or not spending at all. 

King Dilos, Via email