TI PNG misleading talk on corruption

 WHILE the work of Transparency International PNG is respected in many ways, it must not mislead the public into thinking that this country is sinking in corruption. 

TIPNG chairman Lawrence Stephens comments in The National (Feb 23, page 7) “Govt told to fight corruption” directly implied that the world would be horrified about the widespread corruption in PNG when they see major infrastructure development in Port Moresby upon their visit in 2018 for the APEC summit. 

Stevens’ comments are insulting what is by far the best government this country has had. 

These infrastructures are necessary to economic development and without them Port Moresby would be a chaotic and ugly city. 

The APEC summit is a very important event for the country and in order to provide effective security, the airports and roads must be upgraded to international standards. 

This has got nothing to do with corruption. 

Money is being spent for reasons critical to the country’s political and economic development and prosperity. 

The socio-economic challenges that Stephens is inferring to are adequately addressed by the O’Neill Government like never before. Money is given to all the electorates in PNG to build schools, health centers, upgrade rural roads, supply medicine, provide clean water and the list goes on. 

This is the government that gives K10 million every year since it took office in 2012 to ensure all rural and isolated communities are experiencing development that will change their lives. 

And the country is effectively responding to this initiative and changing. And so long as the O’Neill Government stays in power after 2017, PNG will continue to see many changes and people will continue to sing praises for O’Neill as the best performing Prime Minister. 

It is only proper for people like Stephens to think and talk responsibly because what he said makes little sense and is a general statement that is devoid of the reality. 

This country has a vibrant and most effective Judiciary and a government system that is working very well. 

Like other democracies, PNG has its own challenges but that does not mean we are so corrupt as implied by the TI chairman. 

With a good government, things are improving and is getting better by the day. 

It’s only a matter of time when this country will find its destiny among the great nations. 

And thanks to O’Neill for championing a government that is conscious of the road ahead and the many challenges laid before. 

Stephens must know that infrastructures underpin human development and not the contrary. 

That is why this country is experiencing substantive government investment on these infrastructures. This is basic economics. 

When these infrastructures are laid down, other social issues like health and education will be addressed effectively. 

So institutions like TIPNG must be conscious of making public statements on major government decisions because they can mislead our people in ways. 

Samson Wena

Kerowagi, Chimbu