Maprik problems

LOOKING generally to the country’s budget of K14 billion, it is massive.
Having that in mind, that budget will trickle down to the provincial and district level according to the budget passed.
It is understood that the budget is the money break-up for the activities of specific needs which have been identified by the authority.
The Maprik district development authority, led by MP John Simon, has also passed a budget.
What priority areas have they looked at?
There are some areas which need to be looked at and taken into consideration.
These includes Hayfield airstrip upgrade under the National Airports Corporation (NAC), district roads, rural electrification, population control, banking services and many others, just to name a few.
Maprik is booming with healthy cash flow currently because of vanilla.
One would wonder if the district does have a roadmap to direct its development agenda.
Having a five-year development plan is a priority for guidance.
Currently, there seems to be no control over activities which are popping up everywhere and causing overcrowding.
Maprik is the most crowded township in the two Sepik provinces.
During peak days on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, it is congested with people and traffic.
Accessing services like banking, hospital referrals and ticketing agents are a nightmare.
Does the DDA take into consideration the issue of overcrowding?
There are other ways to address that.
One is township expansion towards Bainyik and Hayfield areas or other available locations.
The other suggestion is to control population growth with the coordinated effort of district health authority or NGOs.
Ailing banking services in the district are not good for the central Sepik population.
There has been a real struggle to access banking to do business daily.
District road conditions are another great concern for the majority of rural people.
This is the lifeline of village people in their daily business and other services.
These roads are under the DDA, which is supposed to take full control of all road networks to ensure they are up to standard.
This is an appeal to the good leaders to think inclusive for better growth in Maprik.

Kitz Supaini
Lae