Milne Bay leaders challenged

I WOULD like to question Milne Bay leaders in Parliament on what benefits the province will gain from having formed the current National Government in the town of Alotau, capital of the province.
The result of Alotau Accord I as a benefit is the upgrade and sealing of Alotau to East Cape Road worth K90 million. There are some other projects like the upgrade of Gurney Airport to international standard, and market redevelopment.
However, natural economic resources are still not exploited for greater benefits.
A suggestion is for an allocation of K200 million for Alotau to Rabaraba, Agaun and Cape Vogel roads.
This will realise the potential for mineral, oil and gas potential in Cape Vogel and Rabaraba as well as Esa’ala and Misima districts.
Cape Vogel Cattle Ranch was abandoned years ago and about 10,000 cattle are now feral.
There is potential for rice farming.
An increase in coffee and fresh vegetable production in the inland areas has a high potential for local and export markets.
Do the district development plans have such projects as a corridor to improve the economic base and increase income generation and prosperity for the people?
There is a need for some major impact projects in all the districts of the province.
These won’t happen unless the leaders can fight and debate for them in Parliament.
Geothermal power generation at Deidei on Ferguson Island, Woodlark mine, East Collingwood FMA and oil and gas exploration in the Cape Vogel Basin are possible projects of such magnitude.

Milne Bay Citizen