LOCAL SME OWNER GRATEFUL OF CONNECT PNG PROGRAM

A LOCAL Small to Medium Entrepreneur in the rural Abau district of the Central province has expressed gratitude towards the Government of Papua New Guinea for its ‘Connect PNG’ program, currently implemented by the Department of Works and Highways for opening up major links around the country, especially connecting vast remote and rural areas.

Owner of Gidabo Agriculture Services Deilala Loana could hardly express himself, how happy he was after Connect PNG program is determined to connect the missing links between Central and Milne Bay provinces in the coming months.

The SME owner Loana, who specializes in producing agricultural products in Coffee, manufacturing coconut oils, soaps, chocolates and even ice-cream said his products will now hit the Port Moresby and Alotau township in bulk quantities, as the major links will now be opened for convenience transport.

Mr. Loana told FM100 News at the Magarida Station in the remote Amazon Bay Local Level Government of Abau, that transport was one of his main challenges, where his products and hard works went unnoticed and does not earn enough revenue that he expects and his products worth.

He called on the Central governor Rufina Peter and Abau MP Sir Puka Temu to put political differences aside and support the program, to service their province, electorate and the people.

“I’m finding words to express how I’m feeling today,” Mr. Loana told media after the launching of the second Southern Corridor, linking the Central and Milne Bay.

“We have these challenges, long before the country got independence and for us the small SMEs here, we were hardly hit by the lack of government services.

“Our only mode of transport is by sea, to go to Alotau or Port Moresby.”

“I’m so much grateful of the government of the Connect PNG program because it will help me to sell my products at the markets and shops in Port Moresby and Alotau.

Mr Loana said he started venturing into his small business since 2010, however, issues with transporting his products out of his village, his market and revenue is low.

Mr. Loana said Kokona Indastries Koporesen (KIK) is also buying his products as a way of promoting the local SMEs.

He further stated that he is producing enough to keep himself going at his village and selling them at reasonable prices.