Transport problems

WE are disappointed about Prime Minister Peter O’Neill’s public statements about the status of the transport infrastructure in PNG.
He said infrastructure is growing right across the country’.
Over 35 per cent of the total population, or precisely 2.5 million grassroots people of the maritime region, are suffering for want of transport services since independence.
So, how can the prime minister make such an unfounded statement?
Successive governments, since the first prime minister Sir Michael Somare to the current Peter O’Neill, have done nothing about providing public transport services for the maritime people since independence in 1975.
People have suffered for want of decent, effective and regular public maritime transport services since the departure of the government boats sponsored by the colonial Australian government administration.
O’Neill should withdraw his statements immediately, or alternatively, provide a basic public maritime transport services.
This will cater for the 2.5 million grassroots people who are currently using very-expensive and dangerous banana boats and dug-out canoe dinghies powered by outboard motors engines.
Last week, seven people with 13 200-litre drums, got lost out at sea between Finschhafen and Siassi in Morobe
Fortunately the nine survivors were rescued by another dugout mon canoe.
Prime minister, your people are struggling to make ends meet in the maritime transport sector, and yet you are making these unfounded statements.
You have spent billions in building roads and bridges.
You have not invested in basic public maritime transport or shipping services.
These services are provided by either private sectors or the people themselves.
Jetties and wharves located in the major urban centres are only there to service container boats.
These wharves, jetties and bridges cannot be used by banana boats and dug-out canoes.

Dusty Zamunu
Lae