PM Marape Challenges PNG District Leaders to Deliver Results from Public Funds

PM Marape Challenges PNG District Leaders to Deliver Results from Public Funds/Photo supplied

Prime Minister James Marape has urged district leaders across Papua New Guinea to turn government funding into practical services for their people, pointing to newly opened facilities in Menyamya as an example of development reaching rural communities.

 

Speaking at Menyamya District station yesterday, Mr Marape praised Mining Minister and local MP Solen Loifa for overseeing the delivery of infrastructure intended to improve administration, policing, access to clean water and opportunities for local business.

The completed projects include a district administration office, a police station, a market facility, a water supply project and the rehabilitation of a rural lock-up.

“These facilities represent what our people deserve: Government services reaching their communities and public money producing results they can see and use,” Prime Minister Marape said.

“I congratulate Minister Solen Loifa, his District Administration and everyone who has contributed to these Projects. This is the kind of energy and commitment we want from our young leaders across Papua New Guinea.”

Mr Marape attended the opening with Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso, Morobe Governor Rainbo Paita, Bulolo MP Sam Basil Jr, and Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Minister Kinoka Feo, who represents Unggai-Bena.

Government officials, development partners, stakeholders and local residents also gathered to witness the opening of the new facilities.

The Prime Minister said his Pangu-led Marape–Rosso Government expected districts and provinces to demonstrate how annual budget allocations were improving the lives of ordinary people.

He maintained that development funding was being distributed to districts and provinces regardless of whether their elected members belonged to the Government or Opposition.

“Our people’s ‘Right to Services’ does not depend on political affiliation. Wherever they live, they deserve roads, schools, health services, electricity, clean water and safe communities,” he said.

Mr Marape said he wanted to visit districts to open completed projects rather than attend ceremonies for developments that remained unfinished.

“Announcements and groundbreaking ceremonies must lead to delivery. The real measure of our work is whether a mother can sell her produce, a family can access water, a police officer can serve the community and a public servant can attend to people’s needs,” he said.

He acknowledged that road construction around Menyamya station and along the highway remained ongoing, while electricity projects were still being developed.

The Prime Minister said completing the outstanding work would improve transport links, support public services and help farmers and businesses move their products to larger markets.

He also highlighted Menyamya’s agricultural potential, particularly in coffee, cocoa and other crops, saying farming remained an important source of livelihood and economic growth for the district.

“Menyamya has contributed to our country through Agriculture for many years, and there is still enormous potential in coffee, cocoa and other crops,” he said.

“As our economy grows, I encourage our people to identify the opportunities opening around them and take practical steps to participate. Work your land, improve your production and build enterprises that can support your families.”

Mr Marape said infrastructure and agriculture needed to develop together, with improved roads, markets, water supplies and electricity helping rural producers expand their businesses.

He thanked development partners, public servants and residents for their contribution and urged the community to safeguard the facilities for future use.

“These assets belong to the people of Menyamya. Protect them, maintain them and use them well so they continue serving your children and future generations,” he said.

“I am encouraged by what I have seen today. When national support is matched by determined local leadership and community cooperation, we can deliver meaningful change.

“That is what the Marape–Rosso Government is working towards: development that reaches our people, strengthens our Districts and gives every Papua New Guinean a greater opportunity to prosper.”