PM warns: Stop begging

By GYNNIE KERO

PRIME Minister James Marape has again reminded the people to stop asking MPs for money or to demanding compensation, and “shift from a mentality of dependency to self-reliance”.
“I am discouraging you from asking for money from your MPs or governors,” he said.
“You must stop this mentality of expecting money and claiming compensation from projects or road construction.”
Marape’s warning was relayed to people gathered at Nipa Station in Southern Highlands on Friday during the launching of a five-year road map for the district.
There are about 170,000 persons in Nipa-Kutubu.
On Thursday, the Mendi-Munihu also launched its five-year plan at the Momei Oval in Mendi.
Marape also highlighted the focus of all district plans aligning with the national development agenda.
“The Government will support your districts and fund the plans and support what your MPs are doing,” he added.
Nipa Kutubu MP Dr Billy Joseph was concerned about the poor condition of the 58km Kutubu-Poroma road. K70 million was awarded to the contractor but “the road does not match the amount given”.
Marape then travelled by road from Nipa to Mendi to see for himself the condition of the road.
He also announced that Santos under its tax credit scheme would work on the Kutubu Poroma road at around US$65 million (about K251 million).
He commended MP Joseph for building a road from Nipa into Mount Bosavi and Kutubu and promised Government’s backing.
“ I have brought you K5 million to help support the contractors your District Development Authority to connect the missing link and Mount Bosavi people.”
In addition, Marape gave an additional K2 million for local development.
He commented on the progress of the road construction from Mendi to Nipa and into Tari, calling for an acceleration in the work.
“The Mendi to Nipa and Tari Road needs to be restored and sealed. I am concerned about the slowness of contractors and Works and Highways Department progressing this,” he remarked.