Prime Minister Hon. James Marape officially launched six (6) major infrastructure and community development projects for the East and West Ihu Local Level Governments (LLGs) of Kikori District, Gulf Province, today at Ihu Station.
In a symbolic gesture to mark the launch, the Prime Minister cut the ribbon to officially open the K0.7 million Ihu Market, aimed at promoting the rural economy.
The six projects launched are: Ihu–Muro Road Project – K176 million Vailala River Bridge – K126 million Keuru Bridge to Vailala River Road Soil Stabilisation Works – K10 million
Multi-Purpose Community Centre – K1.4 million Official Opening of Ihu Market – K0.7 million Baimuru Market – K1.92 million
The theme of the launch is “Connecting Communities, Empowering People, and Advancing Development in Kikori.”
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the strong leadership of the Member for Kikori and Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, Hon. Soroi Eoe, for his work in bringing services to the people of Kikori.
He also acknowledged the support of the Minister for Finance and Member for Kerema, Hon. Thomas Opa; the Acting Governor of Gulf Province, Hon. Morris Taudevin; the Provincial Administrator, Mr. Clement Tare; and the LLG Presidents of Kikori District.
He further recognized the presence of the women, men, and children of Ihu who gathered to witness the occasion.
Addressing the international and local contractors present at the event, the Prime Minister emphasized that the nation counts on them to deliver their best work.
Prime Minister Marape extended special thanks to the local contractor who built the Ihu Market, stating that the facility reflects the ongoing development in Ihu. He noted that the market intervention enables the local population to trade their products normally while opening up market access to sell to the Papua LNG project site.
“Our country has many challenges, but we can overcome them if we all work together going forward so that we create a better future for the children of our country,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“The reason why our government continues to give resources to the districts and to the provinces is simple: 85% of Papua New Guineans live in the rural enclaves of our country.
“Eighty-five percent (85%) of the people of the country start from here. We don’t start from the city; we don’t start from Kerema Town, we don’t start from Tari Town, we don’t start from Port Moresby City, or Lae City, or Kokopo.”
The Prime Minister stated that this is why, upon taking office in 2019, the government focused on empowering districts and provinces to serve their people so that, collectively, they would be serving the country. He emphasized that everyone in the districts, provinces, and the nation has a role to play.
Prime Minister Marape added that, as a result of this focus, the government has allocated well over K10 billion in total to all districts and provinces across five budgets over the last five years.
“And so I’m happy to stand at the banks of Vailala to see at least some work that has happened as we follow the money trail to all districts and provinces in our country.”
The Prime Minister concluded by urging other districts across the country to ensure that, in addition to inviting him to launch new initiatives, they also have completed projects ready to open.
He stated that the people deserve to see a completed project alongside the launching of new ones.