O’Neill, Parkop willing to make tough decisions

 THE people of this country should salute Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and National Captital District Governor Powes Parkop for their bold decisions, which in my opinion, are in the best interests of this country and its people. 

I highly respect and salute these two decisions because they are made at a time when our country needs such bold decisions to achieve the core strategic pillars of the government’s Vision 2050 programme. 

Without such decisions by our elected politicians, how does each and everyone of us in this country expect our nation to be changed and developed? 

Do we all expect our country to change or develop by itself?

The prime minister’s decision to take full ownership of OK Tedi Mine Ltd is to minimise waste and mismanagement of finance.

This was  because when PNG Sustainable Development Program (PNGSDP)  was given the responsibility, the ultimate purpose for which the funds from OK Tedi mine were intended, were not effectively and efficiently utilised in the best interests of the people of Western as well as the government.

PNGSDP chairman Sir Mekere Morauta appears to be crying foul not because he is genuinely concerned about the wellbeing of the mine-affected communities of Western nor to successfully complete those incomplete projects initiated by PNGSDP.

From one perspective, it appears he is trying his best to protect a mechanism designed to maximise waste and minimise growth and development through inefficient and ineffective ways of public sector services delivery over the years.

Thus, O’Neill’s decision was made purposely to minimise financial waste through PNGSDP so that everyone, including the mine affected  areas of Western, would efficiently and effectively benefit in an accountable and transparent manner.

On the other hand, Governor Powes Parkop’s decision to ban the selling and chewing of betel nuts in the capital is highly appreciated and supported not only by the general public but also by our international partners.

The vendors and chewers could call on thousands of reasons to convince the governor or even the Government to allow them to continue their illegal, informal and unhealthy betel nuts business.

But we have a million reasons to make it a law to completely ban the selling and chewing of this green and yellow nut that turns into the ugly red dough when chewed in all major urban centres in the country.

What the governor wants is a favourable, comfortable, safe, and hygienic  environment that reflects the standards of his administration.

All residents in the city are entitled to enjoy living in a clean and free environment. 

Unfortunately, the many inconsiderate betel nuts chewers and sellers, ruined the environment.

Muiyane, Via email