Town needs change: Official

 By GYNNIE KERO

MADANG needs a town commission rather than a disjointed provincial government, Madang Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) Secretary Richard Jones says.

Jones said Madang was an education and tourism centre with a large agriculture sector.

“The town is growing rapidly. We desperately need a town commission rather than disjointed government,” he said. 

“We need our MPs to be here day-to-day leading development in the province and we need investment in roads and power. 

“We need decent sub-divisions for housing instead of settlements.

“The town will continue to grow quickly – we need leaders, managers and businesses to work together to build a safe society for all.”

On the recent raiding of small Chinese department shops in Madang town, Jones said looting would only hurt the people and discourage investors.

He said none of MCCI’s 57 members were attacked although many had to close for the safety of their staff and customers.

“MCCI deplore any violence or looting,” he said. 

“Incidents such as that (last Tuesday) are thankfully very rare and were caused by the banned rally, where young men took advantage of the situation. 

“The incident was over quickly, but it was ugly and unnecessary,” Jones said.