Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting the road project linking Tambul in Western Highlands Province to Koutoli in Imbonggu District, Southern Highlands Province, saying improved road access will open up economic opportunities for communities along the corridor.
Speaking during his visit to Tambul-Nebilyer, Prime Minister Marape said the road was important in connecting communities, improving access to markets and creating opportunities for local farmers to transport their agricultural produce to other parts of the country.
He acknowledged the people of Tambul-Nebilyer for maintaining peace over many years and said they deserved improved road infrastructure and other development services.
“This is a very peaceful corridor, and I want to thank you for your peacefulness. You deserve this road because you have maintained peace consistently for many, many years,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape said he had inspected development activities in the district, including roads, power infrastructure and the district office, and would continue working with the local leadership and contractors to secure resources for the road project.
He said he would take the road commitment back to Port Moresby and work with Minister for Works and Highways and Member responsible for the district, together with the relevant authorities, to advance the project.
The Prime Minister also urged the people of Tambul-Nebilyer to take advantage of their fertile land by getting into gardening, commercial farming and small business activities rather than depending on the Government for financial assistance.
He said the district had the potential to produce large quantities of vegetables, including broccoli and cabbage, which could be transported to markets in Mount Hagen, Lae and Port Moresby, as well as other markets when road access improves.
Prime Minister Marape pointed to Member for Tambul-Nebilyer Hon. Win Bakri Daki as an example of how people could build wealth through agriculture and hard work.
He said Daki had started by growing and selling vegetables before expanding into transport and other businesses, eventually building his wealth before entering Parliament.
The Prime Minister encouraged young people to follow similar pathways by starting with small gardening activities, selling their produce, saving their earnings and gradually expanding into bigger businesses.
“You do not become a millionaire overnight. You must start somewhere. You can begin by planting cabbage and broccoli, selling them at the market and saving your money,” he said.
He said the Government wanted to support people through infrastructure, education, electricity and economic opportunities, but communities also had a responsibility to work their land and contribute to growing the national economy.
Prime Minister Marape said the Government’s broader target was to grow Papua New Guinea’s economy beyond K200 billion and increase the national budget to K50 billion, creating greater capacity to fund development across the country’s districts and provinces.
He also encouraged parents to keep their children in school and urged young people to pursue education, attend church, maintain law and order and participate in agriculture and small and medium enterprises.
He said improved roads, combined with productive land and hardworking communities, could position Tambul-Nebilyer and neighbouring Imbonggu District as important agricultural production areas.
The Prime Minister said he intended to return in January next year and to see further progress in agricultural activities, including support for farmers through seeds, fertiliser and other assistance.
He called on the district leadership, public servants, community leaders and young people to work together, saying development required cooperation between the Government and the people.
“Less politics, less talk and more work. Together, we can make our country a better place,” Prime Minister Marape concluded.