One-sided development

Letters

I WRITE to express my view regarding the development of new roads and major infrastructures in the country.
Firstly, I appreciate the leadership of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his deputy, and the Works and National Planning ministers, for putting in place plans for major highways that will connect the nation.
Credit, too, to those not mentioned but who have been very vocal to ensure that the bulk of our rural population who have been cut off for ages get a better deal in terms of proper roads that will take government services to their doorsteps.
We all know that road creates wealth. The wellbeing of our people and all fundamental services will only fall in line if we have proper roads and transportation systems in place.
This is good news for people living on mainland Papua New Guinea. On the same note, my utmost concern is that it seems that the Government, through the Department of Works and Implementation, is focusing only on building new roads and allocating millions to repair existing ones.
In general, development is one-sided. From my own perspective, the maritime provinces, some made up of small islands scattered across the coastal waters of PNG, are not under the national Government spotlight.
We appreciate and embrace the changes and developments taking place, but can the Government tell us what plans it has for our people drifting upon the waters and living on coastlines and who depend heavily on sea transportation?
The national Government should run State-owned vessels to service those remote islands. All the revenue can go back to the State.

Hanam Bill Sandu
Concern Coastal Dweller.
Lae.