Stop the stone-age mentality: Ipatas

By ELIAS LARI in Wabag
ENGA Governor Sir Peter Ipatas has called on the people of Porgera and Paiala to get out of the “Stone Age” mentality and stop fighting.
He told people at the Porgera Lutheran Primary School in Enga on Tuesday that the “primitive and stone age mentality” had to change because it was holding back development.
Sir Peter said Porgera was a special district in Enga because it contributed to the national economy through its gold mine.
“We have the giant Porgera gold mine and it should be a fast-developing district,” he said.
“There are a lot of benefits that come through the mine, but because of the fighting, people don’t access them.
“Why do you call for service when you are still fighting? Services and changes will never reach you (if you do not change) your attitude.
“The police and defence force will not stop the fighting. It is you who can make the difference by stop fighting.”
He said the people wanted services yet they were engaged in tribal fights.
Sir Peter called on the leaders of Porgera and Paiala to help their people.
He plans to get the provincial government to take over the management of the Porgera Development Authority which had “done nothing over the years”.