Local Engan Businesses partner in development

Kompiam local level government (LLG) President and provincial finance minister Joe Naiape said that Enga would’t be where it is today if local businessmen didn’t heavily invest in the province.

Naiape thanked prominent Engan businessmen and women for coming back into the province and investing in property development, retail and wholesaling, money credit schemes, real estate, tourism and hospitality, agriculture and in other Small- Medium Enterprises (SME) sectors.

Naiape was the keynote speaker, stepping in for governor Sir Peter Ipatas, at the opening of a new K2 million state of the art shopping complet at the heart of Wabag Town yesterday.

Naiape spoke highly of local businessman Perapen Warun, the principal owner of the new shopping complex, who against all odds, believed in bringing essential services right to the doorsteps of the people.

Naiape told the crowd who gathered that Warun had other places to do his business investments but rather he chose to invest in Wabag thus brushing aside the ongoing negative media publicity Enga was going through.

“ Enga is gradually developing everyday under the leadership of Sir Peter Ipatas and I would like to urge those failed and wanna-be politicians to stop misleading the nation with false media publicity and contribute meaningfully to the development of the province,”

Naiape, on behalf of the provincial government, thanked past and present businessmen for working alonside the provincial governent by bringing in much needed services to the people.

Naiape said that because the provincial governement had a healthy and mutual working relationship with the private sector and the church, most of the services available in Port Moresby were already available in the province where people are currently enjoying.

“We have daily direct flights to Port Moresby. Tertiary students can no longer go to Port Moresby or Lae to look for institutions to study but will be fully educated with quality staff and facilities here in the province.”

“For almost 18 years the Ipatas government has continued to prioritise education and will do so,”

“Health, law and order, social services, agriculture, women empowerment, youth development, sports and other priority areas will be continually prioritised by this government.”

Naiape urged the people to support the development the province was experiencing by taking ownership of existing infrastructures and projects and always provide a condusive environment for businesses to operate freely.

Naiape made mention of prominent Engan businessman in the likes of Paul Kurai for building a 5 star hotel (Ribito Hotel), Gedion Timano for his investment in the 3 storey Yanarin Haus which was commissioned by Sir Peter Ipatas last Friday and Bonny Manuel for investing heavily in Lupa Mini Credit Scheme and in the tourism and hospitality industry.

“Our businessmen and women have a genuine heart for Enga. Their heartful contributions have brought Enga to where it is today.” Naiape said.

Other dignitaries who attended the grand opening included Wabag Rural Local Level Government (WRLLG) President and deputy governor Roy Kipalan, provincial lands director Melpha Yakali and other distinguished members of the provincial government and business community.