Project will benefit tourism: PM

By HELEN TARAWA
MADANG is poised for a K77 million investment which will benefit tourism and improve roads, according to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
He also said next five years would be crucial to the economic growth of the nation.
“If we do not grow the economy, our country will be in trouble,” O’Neill said.
O’Neill travelled to the district to commission projects including the rural electrification programme.
He said Madang was on the brink of becoming an economic powerhouse of the country.
The K77 million programme includes an airport expansion project and the resealing of roads in Madang town. “The airport project will enable more tourists and investors to come to the country, especially Madang,” he said.
“We are tired of potholes and we will seal all the roads because Madang has the opportunity to be the economic powerhouse of Papua New Guinea.”
He will officiate at the commissioning of the Banab Bridge and the rebuilding of six bridges.
O’Neill said the Banab bridge project had taken longer because the first contractor failed to deliver the project on time.
“Another contractor was engaged and has completed the bridge which will now be opened on Tuesday (tomorrow),” O’Neill said.
Works Minister Michael Nali and Secretary David Wereh will join him for the commissioning of the other six bridges.
“We must believe in our governor (Yama) and our local MP (Uguro) and support their efforts to bring changes to the communities.
“I urge you all to work with your leaders to ensure that they deliver services.”