Somare to receive a hero’s farewell from PNG Government

Prime Minister  Peter O’Neill has told a huge crowd at Yangoru station in East Sepik  that the country’s founding father Sir Michael Somare will be given a "fitting send-off" by the Government when he retires from politics next year.

Mr O’Neill was in Yangoru-Saussia to launch the K100 million Sepik Chicken, Grain and Cocoa project which will be developed in the Sepik Economic Zone by Israeli company LR in partnership with Government through the Kumul Consolidated Holdings Limited.
The assurance was given by the PM following the announcement by East Sepik Deputy Governor Ian Samuel of plans for Sir Michael’s exit and retirement from politics.

Mr Samuel said the province is planning a hero’s farewell for their Governor and said it only proper that the Government should assist with these plans.

He had said the country would not be where it is today had it not been for the bold and wise decisions that he had made that had led the country into nationhood without any bloodshed.
"For this, he deserves to be given such recognition. We want to embrace his past and express our gratitude and send him off on a good note," the deputy governor had said.
He said Government could also assist in ensuring a good send off by ensuring the outstanding PSIP of K120 million be paid so that he could fast-track the projects he had planned for the province and leave them behind as his legacy.

Mr O’Neill in response said he was aware of Sir Michael’s plans to retire.
He said that the Government’s plans would be made clearer later.
Meanwhile the PM while in Yangoru had launched a K6 million water project and other major projects in the province.
These include K10 million for the upgrade of Boram Hospital, K1 million to reopen Boram Nursing College, K1 million for Yangoru hospital and K10 million for an airport.