PM MARAPE SUPPORTS K600M KAGUL HYDRO PROJECT

BY JOSEPH QUAKES REMA

PRIME Minister James Marape has thrown his support behind the proposed K600 million Kagul Hydro Project in Imbonggu, Southern Highlands Province, urging provincial leaders to work together to make the major power project a reality.

Mr Marape made the remarks today when he, Attorney General and Imbonggu MP Pila Niningi, Works and Highways Minister Peter Tsiamilili, Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph and other MPs and dignitaries made a stopover at the project site while travelling to Kikori.

The delegation was welcomed by traditional singsing groups before proceeding with its planned trip.

Mr Marape commended Mr Niningi for his leadership in advancing the hydro project and tapping into the region’s water resources.

“I’m proud of Hon Niningi’s leadership for tapping into the hydro project and bringing the project forward. I’ve always known that the Kagul River has big potential for hydro,” Mr Marape said.

He said Papua New Guineans should utilise the resources already available in their communities instead of waiting for gold, oil or gas discoveries.

“You don’t have to wait for gold, oil or gas to be found in your places and claim to be the landowners. You are landowners of what is already available in terms of water, timber, coffee and cocoa,” he said.

Mr Marape also urged people to work hard and not become observers in their own land, saying the next 50 years of nation-building must focus on unlocking the country’s resources to grow the economy.

As the project is located near the border of Southern Highlands and Western Highlands provinces, Mr Marape called on Governors William Powi and Wai Rapa to work together and support Mr Niningi in progressing the project.

Imbonggu District CEO Paul Kereme thanked Mr Marape and his delegation for taking time to stop at the project site.

“Papua New Guinea has issues with power. Therefore, Perai ILG associate engaged AG contractors Investment, who constructed the Edevu Hydro Project in Central Province, to build the Kagul Hydro Project,” Mr Kereme said.

He also acknowledged Mr Marape for improving road links across the country.

“Those people in remote areas can now access services through road links. For the first time, the Prime Minister can travel from Momase to the Southern Region, then to the Highlands and back to the Southern Region, creating history,” Mr Kereme said.