Prime Minister O'Neill to visit disaster affected areas in the Southern Highlands Province

The Prime Minister, Hon. Peter O’Neill CMG MP, will inspect damage caused to roads in the Highlands by recent rain, floods and landslides when he visits Mendi, Nipa and Kagua-Erave on Wednesday, 4 March.

The inspection will be part of an earlier planned visit by the Prime Minister, accompanied by Southern Highlands Governor, Hon. WilliamPowi MP, to review work underway on a series of roads in the province.

Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill will further have the opportunity to see first-hand the delivery of projects that have been undertaken through DSIP and PSIP funding. “There has been a significant amount of damage along the Highlands Highway and other roads throughout the highlands region,” Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said before departing for Mendi.

“I have been saddened by the loss of several lives and extend my sincere condolences to the families of the deceased. “We have mobilized assessment teams through the National Disaster Office and funding is being released by Treasury to provide immediate relief to people affected by this natural disaster.

“The Government is moving to have damaged road sections repaired as soon as is possible and I will inspect some of these when I arrive in the affected areas.”

Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said the original intention of his visit was to inspect a series of roads and other projects and this will proceed. “We will have the opportunity to inspect preparations and work on a series of roads. This includes the Tari to Mendi road, Poroman to Nipa road and Ialibu to Kagua road.

“I am also very interested to see action underway to build the Semberigi to Erave to Kikori ‘missing link’ road. This 35 kilometer stretch or road is an important part of our infrastructure that must be undertaken.”

The Prime Minister said he is particularly interested to see DSIP and PSIP funding at work in the area and see for himself how this is changing lives. “DSIP and PSIP funding is one of the most effective ways for moving power from Waigani to the grassroots people of our nation,” Prime Minister Hon. Peter O’Neill said. “Local Members and local people know which projects are needed in their area.

“I am looking forward to seeing progress at the Nipa Hospital, the Kagua Hospital, the Kagua Secondary High School, the new Teachers’ College in Mendi and other school projects.

“Improving healthcare and education for our people are central policies for our Government. “We promised the people of this nation that we would provide universal healthcare and free education and we are delivering this.

“Now we are upgrading hospitals and schools and building new colleges for healthcare workers and teachers around the nation. “I look forward to seeing the work that has been carried our in the Southern Highlands for the people through DSIP and PSIP funding.”