PM on tour of New Ireland

 PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill flew to Kavieng yesterday for a two-day visit of the New Ireland.

The New Ireland visit is part of O’Neill’s plan to visit as many provinces as possible this year.

He has already visited Manus and Gulf.

He will be accompanied by Works Minister Francis Awesa and Fisheries Minister Mao Zeming.

O’Neill is expected to hold talks with Governor Sir Julius Chan and members 

of the provincial assembly and is also expected to 

meet with business and community leaders in the province.

He will explain the 

2013 budget and its implementation, focusing on 

the increased funding to districts and local level governments, according to a statement from his office yesterday.

He will also outline the government’s infrastructure development plan, the restructure of the state’s mining and petroleum assets, and state-owned enterprises, and other policy initiatives of the government.

O’Neill is also keen to hear from the New Ireland community on the government’s policy initiatives.

“Feedbacks from the 

community are vital,” he said.

“If the community out there feels there are weaknesses in the policies, this is an opportunity for them to speak out directly to me so we can take their concerns on board and make adjustment and improvements where necessary.”

The prime minister is also expected to tour the Lihir Gold mine, visit some schools and inspect conditions of some of the roads in the province.