Western Highlands praised for orderly PM’s Highway welcome

People lining along the road to see the PMs convoy while also being respectful and taking precaution of their safety (Image: NBC News / Vanessa Ripa)

Western Highlands has been praised for the way it received Prime Minister James Marape and his delegation during their historic drive along the new Pangu Highway.

Tambul-Nebilyer MP and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister, Win Daki, who travelled with the Prime Minister’s entourage, said the people of Western Highlands showed respect and discipline as the convoy entered the province from Jiwaka.

He said people gathered along the highway to witness the historic journey, but kept a safe distance and did not obstruct the convoy.

“When we entered Western Highlands, we could see people standing along the road to welcome the Prime Minister. But they respected the convoy and gave us space to move freely. There was no problem.”

The same order was maintained as the convoy moved into Mt Hagen City.

Daki said there were no vehicles deliberately blocking the road, with motorists and pedestrians instead standing aside to allow the delegation to pass.

Rapa thanked Prime Minister James Marape for this new road link from the Highlands to Port Moresby saying this road will surely benefit his people as they are SME people (Image: NBC News / Vanessa Ripa)

He said he was proud of the people of Western Highlands for the way they conducted themselves.

The peaceful reception was also supported by a strong police presence.

Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Sagom said police officers were positioned along key points of the route, from the city towards Waghi and Komun bridges, to manage traffic and maintain public safety.

“Our main concern was to make sure the people were safe, the traffic was controlled and the convoy could move without any problems. Our officers were deployed along the route and we worked together to ensure everything remained peaceful.”

Governor Wai Rapa, Provincial Administrator Joseph Mangbil and PPC Sagom were also seen along the route, helping to coordinate the reception as the convoy travelled from Simbu towards Tuman Bridge.

The Governor later thanked Prime Minister Marape for the new highway, saying it would have a direct impact on the people of Western Highlands, particularly those involved in small businesses and agriculture.

The convoy of Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa to the Tuman Bridge at Jiwaka to receive PMs convoy (Image: NBC News / Vanessa Ripa)

“Our people are hardworking people. They toil the land, they produce food and many are involved in SMEs. This highway will make a big difference because it will give our people better access to markets and opportunities," Rapa stressed.

The orderly reception continued at Queen’s Park in Mt Hagen, where hundreds gathered to welcome Prime Minister Marape and his delegation at about five o’clock yesterday afternoon.

The programme continued into the evening before concluding at around eight o’clock in the night.

Police and security personnel remained on the ground as the travelling delegation retired for the night.

For Western Highlands, the reception was not only about welcoming the Prime Minister.

It was also a demonstration of how communities, provincial leaders and police can work together to host a major national event peacefully and safely.