Marape launches government projects on Karkar Island

Prime Minister James Marape officiating the launching of government projects yesterday in Karkar Island, Madang (Image: NBC News / Anisha Isimel)

Prime Minister James Marape officiated at the launching of a number of government projects on Madang's Karkar Island yesterday.

The projects included the refurbished district headquarters complex at Kinim Government Station, water supply for the station, a state house for the MP, and visiting government officials to the island, a solar project at the Gaubin District Hospital, plus the district's 5 year plan.

Time factor, however; didn't allow the Prime Minister to launch the projects individually, thus did a one- off ribbon cutting at the Kinim field, signalling the projects' launching.

He was accompanied to the island by the Minister for State Enterprises, William Duma, and Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa.

Marape heaped praise on the local MP, Alex Orme Suguman for the hard work he has put into the projects.

New District administration headquarters for Sumkar District. Named after the former Sumkar MP, Late Chris Yer Nangoi and incumbent MP, Alex Orme Suguman; Suguman / Yer Haus (Image: Supplied)

He also congratulated the people of Karkar and their MP for the successful completion of the projects.

"Your MP doesn't talk too much in Parliament, in the media or on Facebook, but he argues a lot with me and William Duma (his party leader) when it comes to securing funds for service delivery and for the rights of his people of Sumkar.

Other essential services on the island that the national government has picked up for funding include the maintenance and resealing of the Karkar ringroad, the rehabilitation of the Kinim wharf, and solar power.

"We must restore the ringroad. Have it resealed again. We already have machineries here. I want us to restore the sealed road. Not one that will last only two or three years but a permanent sealed road that can last forever.

"As a national government, we will pick up on this road. Works Minister will look into this road because it will support the local economy here." Marape said.

He added that it is the current coalition government's policy to make sure that every Papua New Guinean must have money in their own pockets. You must earn maximum money from your copra, cocoa, timber, fish, tourism, or any ability to raise money on your own land to build your family.

PM Marape urged the people not to lose hope.