O’Neill: PNG’S future looks bright

 PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill says the future looks bright for Papua New Guinea and it is cause for celebration.

“As we celebrate our 38 independence anniversary, there is cause to be optimistic about the future,” he said in his Independence Day message.

“Although we have travelled far as a nation in 38 years, we have not travelled far enough.

“Massive challenges lie ahead of us. We have a population that is growing rapidly. We have roads, air and sea ports, schools, hospitals, and barracks we must rebuild or expand.

“But I believe that we have laid the foundations for change in the policies that we are implementing. 

“In 12 months, we have begun the work to rebuild our country’s infrastructure, and improve service delivery. Our economy continues to do well, and this growth will double when the LNG project starts exporting in the latter part of 2014.”

He said state-owned assets would be restructured to give more financial security when the Kumul structure was approved by Parliament. 

“This re-aligning of our assets will unlock the potential that we know these assets are capable of delivering.

“So, I can assure you all that the future looks bring for all of us, and there is reason to celebrate,” he said.

“But let’s celebrate in peace, with respect for our neighbours, and in the true spirit of independence.”