People urged to change

By REBECCA KUKU
SERVICE will come and development will take place but changes have to start with the people, says Koroba-Kopiago MP Petrus Thomas.
Speaking at the opening of the Tari Airport in Hela, Thomas said services and development would take place in the province but people should work in partnership with local MPs and leaders. “The problem is with you, why do you keep fighting? Why do you keep blocking the roads?” he said.
“There are just four of us, your leaders in Parliament trying to fight for you.
“We will bring services, we will bring development but you must stop the fighting and killing.
“You must stop blocking the roads and let service come in, we all have to work in partnership so that we can build Hela.”
Thomas said the airport and all the other services, such as the newly-established Hawa Correctional facility, were services that were put in place for the people’s benefit.
“Before we used to land on drift and cow grass. Now, for the first time, we have a sealed runway and you must look after it. These services are here for you, so stop fighting, stop killing and work with us.”
Thomas thanked the local administration, led by William Bando, saying that many times, despite the good name given to political leaders, it was people like them who worked behind the scenes that delivered the services.