Mendi can become a city: Parkop

TOWNS such as Mendi and Mt Hagen have the potential to become cities like Port Moresby, says National Capital District Governor Powes Parkop.
Parkop mentioned this during a press conference on the Hope Cup which was held in Southern Highlands recently aimed at restoring peace and unity among townships as the province prepares to host the 2021 PNG Games.
He said political leaders in SHP and Western Highlands, needed to put their political differences aside and look at how best they could work to develop their municipalities.
“I think there has to be an awakening in the political leaders of the two provinces,” he said.
“Southern Highlands, they are good people in general and the environment of the township is suitable for a city like Port Moresby.
“The only thing that’s holding them back is the political difference.
“Now with the intervention of the Hope Cup, I believe that things will change for Southern Highlands and the people of Mendi town,” Parkop said.
He said the two provinces were at strategic locations, so they should use that opportunity to develop and expand the town.
“We need another two or three cities like Port Moresby to share the burden of Port Moresby’s over-population issue,” Parkop said.
“The city I thought had the potential is becoming a failed city because of political differences and that is Mt Hagen.
“It was once a city destined to be the next big city after Port Moresby, but it’s just sad to see it way it is now.
“There are no proper bus stops, guest houses or transit suites for people who commute in and out.
“It has become a failed city,” the governor said.
“Now it’s up to Southern Highlands to fill in that gap and develop Mendi town into a city like Moresby so that the Tari, Helas, Hagens, and Engans can benefit.”
Parkop said people should not criticise Southern Highlands but support it.