Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has challenged Papua New Guineans to make the country’s next 50 years an era of education, hard work, agriculture, small business and economic empowerment, saying every citizen has a responsibility to help build a stronger nation.
Addressing a gathering at Mutzing Station in the Markham Valley today, Prime Minister Marape said Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence Anniversary on September 16 should mark the beginning of a renewed national effort after completing its first 50 years.
“We have finished our first 50 years. Now we begin the next 50 years,” Prime Minister Marape said. “The Prime Minister must work, Ministers must work, Members of Parliament must work, public servants must work, churches must work, and our people must work. Together, we must build a better country.”
K2 BILLION INVESTMENT IN HIGHLANDS HIGHWAY
Prime Minister Marape said the Government was continuing major investment in the Highlands Highway, one of Papua New Guinea’s most important economic corridors.
He said more than K2 billion was being invested in the highway, including the replacement of ageing single- lane bridges with modern two-lane bridges.
He said 71 two-lane bridges were part of improvements along the highway.
“We are investing in our main highways so people, produce, goods and services can move and our economy can grow,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged that many remote communities still lacked road access and said Government would continue opening up areas such as Menyamya, Karamui and other isolated parts of the country.
“There are still many places without roads. We must continue opening up our country so our people can take their coffee and other produce to markets and access schools, health services and economic opportunities,” he said.
UNDER 25: STAY FOCUSED ON EDUCATION
Prime Minister Marape issued a direct challenge to Papua New Guineans aged 25 and below to remain focused on education.
“If you have finished Grade 8, Grade 10 or Grade 12 and have not found a place, do not become discouraged,” he said.“Do not turn to marijuana, alcohol or crime. Come back to your district office and we must find a pathway for you.”
Prime Minister Marape said districts must help young people access second-chance learning, matriculation, technical and vocational training, SME programmes and employment pathways, including labour mobility opportunities.
“Each district must take ownership of its young people,” he said.
He said Government would continue investing in schools, colleges, universities and teacher training to ensure young Papua New Guineans were equipped to participate meaningfully in the economy.
AGES 25–50: WORK, FARM AND START BUSINESSES
Prime Minister Marape challenged Papua New Guineans aged between 25 and 50 to become economically productive through agriculture, SMEs and other forms of enterprise.
“If you are between 25 and 50, find something good that your hands can do,” he said.“You have land. Grow coffee, cocoa, coconut, kaukau, taro, banana and other crops. There is money in agriculture.”
Prime Minister Marape said people living near major roads such as the Highlands Highway were particularly well placed to take advantage of markets.
He encouraged people to register businesses, access banking services and start small enterprises rather than waiting for formal employment.
“You can start with K5,000 or K10,000 and grow a legal business. You have opportunities around you. Do not just sit down and do nothing,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape called on every district to identify and “unbundle” economic opportunities suited to its people and resources.
“I encourage every district in our country to find ways to unbundle economic opportunities for our people,” he said.
Roads and bridges, he said, must ultimately translate into economic benefits by allowing farmers to reach markets, businesses to expand and goods and services to move more efficiently.
‘GOD GAVE US LAND — WE MUST WORK IT’
Drawing on Genesis 2:15, Prime Minister Marape said work was fundamental to human responsibility, noting that God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden to work and care for it.
“We too must work with what God has given us,” he said.“Our land can grow coffee, cocoa, coconut and food crops. When our people work and our economy grows, Government collects revenue and puts it back into roads, bridges, schools and services.”
He said Papua New Guinea could not be developed by Government alone.
“The Government must work. Public servants must work. Police must work. Pastors must work. You must work. Together, we build a better country.”
ONE PEOPLE, ONE NATION, ONE COUNTRY, ONE FLAG
As Papua New Guinea prepares to celebrate 51 years of Independence, Prime Minister Marape urged citizens to approach the next chapter with unity and a shared sense of responsibility.
“One people, one nation, one country, one flag,” he said.“In the next 50 years, roads, bridges, schools and the economy must come together.
“We must unite Papua and New Guinea through infrastructure, education and economic growth so commerce and trade can flow and our people can prosper.“Together, we can make our country a better place.
“God bless Papua New Guinea.”