Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has emphasised his Government’s commitment to bringing roads, agriculture, education and health services to Papua New Guinea’s most remote communities during a historic visit to Gama LLG in Usino-Bundi District, Madang Province.
Addressing a large gathering, Prime Minister Marape said no child, family or community should be left behind because of geography as Papua New Guinea enters its second 50 years of Independence.
Local leaders described the visit as the first by a sitting Prime Minister to the remote area.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Usino-Bundi MP Hon. Vincent Kumura, Middle Ramu MP and Assistant Speaker Hon. Kansol Kamdaru, Agriculture Minister Hon. John Boito and other Government officials.
ROADS TO DRIVE DEVELOPMENT
Prime Minister Marape said road connectivity would transform Usino-Bundi by opening access to markets,schools, health services and economic opportunities.
He highlighted the Gama–Kuima road towards Jimi in Jiwaka Province and the Bundi–Madang road as key projects under the Government’s Connect PNG programme.
“A road is not simply a road. It connects farmers to markets, children to schools, families to health services and communities to opportunity,” he said.
AGRICULTURE TO GROW RURAL INCOMES
The Prime Minister said Usino-Bundi has strong potential in coffee, vanilla and cocoa, and announced K300,000 in National Government support through the Agriculture Ministry to improve freight and marketing of agricultural produce.
“I can see vanilla, coffee and cocoa here. The wealth is already in your land. Government’s job is to help connect your produce to the market and ensure farmers receive a fair return,” he said.
He also called for stronger support for coffee, cocoa and vanilla cooperatives.
EDUCATION AND HEALTH PRIORITIES
Prime Minister Marape urged the Usino-Bundi DDA to strengthen education planning, including improving schools and expanding boarding and secondary education for children from remote communities.
“I came from a remote place myself. If I could become Prime Minister, there is nothing stopping a child from Gama, Bundi or Usino from achieving their dreams,” he said.
He also called for closer cooperation between the National Government, Madang Provincial Government and the district to improve rural health services.
COMMENDS MP VINCENT KUMURA
Prime Minister Marape praised Hon. Vincent Kumura for continuing the community service work he began through the Kumura Foundation before entering Parliament.
“Before becoming an MP, Vincent Kumura was already serving his people. My Government will continue working with him to improve roads, schools, health services and agriculture across Usino-Bundi,” he said.
“YOU HAVE NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN”
Prime Minister Marape thanked teachers, health workers, police, church workers and community leaders serving in remote areas, and assured the people of Gama they remained a priority.
“To the people of Gama and all remote communities, thank you for your patience and faith in our country. Your Government has not forgotten you. We will continue opening roads, supporting agriculture, improving schools and strengthening health services. Leave no one behind means exactly that.”
The Prime Minister and delegation also launched and witnessed several development initiatives during the visit, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to connecting remote communities with the rest of Papua New Guinea.