GOVT. RESHUFFLE TO IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY SAYS PM MARAPE

BY NIGEL MADO

THE recent cabinet reshuffle is aimed at accelerating the delivery of major infrastructure projects across Papua New Guinea, with roads, power and connectivity identified as national priorities, according to the Prime Minister James Marape.

Addressing the media yesterday, Marape said the government had a clear vision to build the country through coordinated investment in physical and digital infrastructure, stressing that effective leadership in key portfolios was essential to achieving that goal.

He said the country must be built with roads and bridges, ports and jetties, airports and airstrips, power lines and internet connectivity, describing road connectivity as particularly critical, saying improved transport links were fundamental to economic growth, service delivery and national unity.

Prime Minister Marape suggested that the reshuffle was designed to ensure infrastructure development was carried out in a “consistent, wise, steady and effective” manner, with ministers expected to focus squarely on public interest outcomes.

The recent mini cabinet reshuffle saw the appointment of Kompiam Ambum MP Sir John Pundari taking on the Police and Internal Security Ministry, reassigning Peter Tsamilili Jnr to the Works and Highways ministry, Tewai-Siassi MP Dr Kobby Bomareo retained his Housing and Urbanisation ministry while, Menyama MP Solan Loifa taking on the Mining Ministry, left vacant by Morobe Governor Rainbo Paita.