WHP, a vital part of region and nation: PM

PRIME Minister James Marape says Western Highlands is an important province in the country and remains a strategic hub for the entire highlands region.
He made the statement during the presentation of the Western Highlands budget by Governor Wai Rapa, Hagen MP and State Enterprises minister William Duma and other provincial executives in Port Moresby last Friday.
Marape, when receiving the K375.8 million budget, congratulated Rapa for the money plan.
Rapa, in a statement, said the government will focus on technical and vocational vducation training to make sure there is a reduction in the number of school-leavers in the province.
“Education is one of the pillar programmes for the government and for this year’s budget more attention will be given to it,” he said.
Rapa added that of the K375.8 million, K5 million will be diverted to address law and order issues to ensure there are no major problems in the province.
“Despite heavy movement of people from war zones, especially in Enga entering Western Highlands, law and order has been maintained and we will continue to do so.
“Western Highlands administrator Joseph Mangbil also handed the 2023 acquittals to Implementation and Rural Development department.”