West Sepik challenged to reset as PNG celebrates 51st Independence

As Papua New Guinea celebrates its 51st Independence Anniversary, West Sepik Province has been challenged to reset and refocus for the next 50 years.

The call was made by West Sepik Provincial Administrator, Jacob Areman, during the 51st Independence flag-raising ceremony at Pope Francis Oval in Vanimo.

The ceremony was officiated by members of the three disciplinary forces - the Royal PNG Constabulary, PNG Defence Force and Correctional Service.

Mr. Areman delivered his address under the provincial theme: "Sharing Our Vision, Admitting Our Challenges and Resetting for Our Future."

He said West Sepik has shared the same vision with the rest of the country and has contributed significantly to national development over the past 50 years.

He said the province has produced human resource leaders, bureaucrats, foreign service officers, medical professionals and contributed to economic growth through the forestry sector.

However, the Provincial Administrator admitted that despite these contributions, the province itself continues to struggle.

"Though West Sepik has contributed well to the country's development, the province itself has been struggling with major infrastructure developments such as poor road conditions, water and sanitation, electricity, health and education," he said.

He added that with no major cash crops or industries to generate internal revenue, the province depends entirely on National Government grants, which often affects service delivery.

"These have been the province's and the country's major challenges in the last 51 years. For West Sepik, though we face these challenges, we have come a long way."

Mr. Areman said it is now time for West Sepik to reset, refocus and rebuild for the next 50 years.

He reminded the people that the province's long-term vision is to transform Vanimo into a City, Aitape into an Industrial Hub, and the Vanimo-Green Corridor into a Free Trade Zone for both West Sepik and Papua New Guinea.

He urged all citizens, including elites and leaders of West Sepik, to work together and focus on developing the province.