Strong foundation for infrastructure development a must

 MAY I ask critical-thinking Papua New Guineans to mull over  the idea that the lack of quality infrastructure development in PNG is a direct result of the ripple effect caused by 

corruption and resource boom that has hit its peak? 

These two entities are a function of each other and their product is a compromised and complacent infrastructure development foundation. 

They both have exponential growth patterns, but in different directions. 

Our geologists and petroleum engineers may correct me, but I believe this country has had its natural resource exploration exhausted. 

I ask that you go to the Mineral Resources Authority or the Department of Petroleum and Energy offices to find out the number of various types of exploration, mining and petroleum license that have already been issued. 

We are just about to reach the peak of the production phase of all our natural resources.

Simultaneously, something negative is also nearing its peak growth while this country has not even reached the peak of building long-lasting infrastructure development. 

By this, I mean we must have  bridges, roads, airports, hospital facilities, educational institutions, military, correctional services and police infrastructures that are tough enough to last us for centuries. 

Corruption is already a systemic and systematic disease that will absorb most of the proceeds of the resource boom. 

The United States had founding fathers who were strong and not corrupt. They were able to build the foundation of infrastructure of the  modern USA that exists today. 

Even when corruption hits the US now, their infrastructure foundation pillars are too strong to be affected.

Will our leaders, headed by our government today, be challenged to build the country’s infrastructure foundation so that they will last during their time and for the generations of tomorrow? 

Dr Youngpu Samo, via email