PM: Borrowing needed to build infrastructure

By SAMANTHA KATI
PRIME Minister James Marape says he will not hesitate to continue borrowing money to invest in key economy enabling infrastructures.
“Borrowing money to invest in economic infrastructure is not a waste but to build asset for the economy,” he said.
“There is an established fact that one dollar invested in key infrastructure has a return of four dollar.” Marape attended at the reopening of the Mendi airport yesterday in Southern Highlands.
The Mendi airport project was supported by the Government, Asian Development Bank and implemented by the NAC through the Civil Aviation Development Investment Programme. The total cost is K41.72 million.
“Airport infrastructure and the transport system must be truly modernised to anchor the growth of our economy,” Marape said.
“We did open Momote airport in Manus, Kavieng airport in New Ireland, Vanimo airport in West Sepik, Tari airport in Hela, and I want us to complete the airport in Wapenamanda and Madang.”
He also plans an airport in Milne Bay, the country’s important tourism hub.
Other airports in East New Britain, Bougainville, Kerema in Gulf and the rest of the country will be worked on. Meanwhile Marape commended the Asian Development Bank (ADB), National Airports Corporation (NAC) and Southern Highlands Governor William Powi for ensuring the airport’s reopening. Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Walter Schnaubelt urged the people to look after the new terminal.
“Mendi, you have bad history already and you now have a chance to write a new chapter,” he added.