MP launches biggest housing scheme in district

Every citizen in Papua New Guinea has a right to own a home, according to the United Nations’ sustainable development goal (SDG) number 11.
This was the assurance Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey issued to the people of Tavilu village on Emirau Island in the Murat local level government area during a recent visit there.
Ling-Stuckey, who is also Kavieng MP, launched the largest housing programme in Kavieng, funded under the district support improvement programme and the Marape-led Government’s public investment programme, totalling over K10 million for 2020 and 2021.
He said SDG No 11 was to “make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”.
According to the UN, sustainable development goals were a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere, including the most remote and smallest communities like Emirau Island.
The 17 goals were adopted by all UN member states in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, which set out a 15-year plan to achieve the goals.
He said the programme included the distribution of 10-year guaranteed green mist colorbond roofing iron from Australia and New Zealand, 1,000 gallon water tanks manufactured in Lae, sustainable solar lights for each family and distribution of walkabout sawmills and chainsaws.
“We must break the cycle of conflict and even hatred that has developed in New Ireland,” he said.
“The New Ireland government has polarised families and forced clan against clan, supplying only those that support and voted for the governor.
“This practice is not a part of our New Ireland culture, is sickening to the core and should not be allowed to continue.
“Every New Irelander has a God-given right to benefit from Lihir royalties or grants to the province provided by the National Government, whether they voted for the governor or not.”