Public forum of no benefit to settlers

 I WISH to comment on the issue of the public forum initiated by the Opposition.  

The reasons for the public forum were clearly spelt out by the Opposition leader who said, “we have been prevented time and time again of being suppressed in Parliament to express our views on issues concerning the people”.

It is evident that the Opposition has a heart for the poor and marginalised people living in the capital city.

I fully support of his call but believe the game should be played fairly on the designated playing field with its guiding procedures and rules in place.

Moreover, the public is unaware of how this game is being played and the benefits associated with it, taking into account that any game played without rules and referees would have no real value and benefit for those who will be attending.

On a positive note, Port Moresby residents must be mindful that our city has changed significantly under the current O’Neill Government.  

No one can deny the fact that a multibillion kina road and building construction programme is taking place in the city, which has significantly improved employment opportunities for our people and targeting settlements as casual labourers.

Simultaneously, the security industry has expanded in the city with hundreds of men and women finding employment with descent wages. Unlike the past, there is a huge cash flow in settlements besides the fact that Port Moresby settlements can tangibly sense vital government services like water, road and electricity reaching the untouched.

In the last three decades, Port Moresby settlements were always on the blacklist by past government. They were always out of the Port Moresby city’s development priority list, with the impression that settlements were a breeding ground for criminals, murderers, rapists, car hijackers and the list goes on. 

City settlers must know that the current O’Neill Government is changing the face of Port Moresby settlements with the much needed services with employment opportunities. 

Accordingly, it would be stupid for a settler to attend the imminent public forum or participate in any protest march pursued by opportunists who continue to pursue personal interest at our risk.

Let those who can benefit from the forum attend but for those who continue to struggle each day to survive in the city, may we continue to go about doing our daily activities and live an honest life.

Ken Nandawa, Via email