MP: Why spend a lot on city roads

 AN opposition MP has criticised the national government’s heavy investment in infrastructure in Port Moresby where only 5% of the population lives.

Kundiawa-Gembogl MP Tobias Kulang said the government had neglected infrastructure upgrading in rural areas.

Millions of kina have been allocated for the upgrading of roads and construction of new ones to ease traffic congestion in the capital city ahead of the 2015 Pacific Games and 2018 Apec meeting in Port Moresby.

“My point is about the prudent economic management and equitable distribution of wealth across the nation,” Kulang said.

“Only less than 5% of our population lives in Port Moresby so we must be enthusiastic about spending on infrastructure elsewhere in the country like we do for Port Moresby.”

He said a vast potential of untapped labor and resources were locked up in 85% of the rural-based economy. 

He said it was important therefore important that infrastructure development in rural communities be treated seriously.

“If PNG had spent its money properly over past years, then we would have sustained high economic growth and would not have to play catch up football like we are trying to do now,” Kulang said.

He said leaders must always be honest and sincere in their decisions and conduct as more than 85% of people live in rural areas and did not have the means to closely monitor the performance of their leaders.