New brains needed to achieve Vision 2050

Letters, Normal

I would like to elaborate further on the letter I wrote last week regarding the 40-year national plan which is the yardstick for the country’s progress.
The current public service machinery is lacking the necessary drive and determination to implement the activities involved in achieving Vision 2050.
Although it is the government’s most important vehicle to drive the vision forward, its service delivery mechanism is dysfunctional and I wonder how this long term vision can be achieved.
In order to guarantee success for such a strategic plan, we must evaluate our strengths and weaknesses to achieve the objectives of the medium term plans we have established in the last two decades.
To date, PNG has failed to achieve many of the goals that are within our reach despite millions of kina being spent every year.
The service delivery mechanism is ineffective.
Infrastructures in many districts in the country are deteriorating and those in isolated areas like Koroba-Lake Kopiago, Komo-Margarima and parts of Kagua-Erave in Southern Highlands province have collapsed.
It is the same story in many parts of the country.
Vision 2050 states that “PNG should be a smart, wiser, vibrant and happy country”.
I doubt this will eventuate because the people in the rural areas are becoming poorer.
The government is unable to maintain the infrastructures established by the Australian government during the colonial times.
If the government cannot maintain these existing facilities, where is the foundation to achieve Vision 2050?
The people are tired and I cannot see the brighter future promised for our children and grandchildren.
If the Somare government is truly committed, it must overhaul the old and ineffective bureaucratic system.
As long as there is corruption, we are not going anywhere.

 

Michael Drake Kapu
Port Moresby