Focus on other areas too, Mangape

Source: The National, Thursday 3rd of January, 2013

I REFER to the recent report on Lagaip-Porgera MP Nixon Mangape to spend K10 million from the JDP&BPC trust ac­count to construct the Porgera to Tari road. In my view, this allocation of money will not benefit the bulk of the population in the district. The Porgera-Tari road is not really “a must” for the Lagaip-Porgera people because they do not need that road to access basic services such as banks and post offices in Tari. There is also no one li­ving in that particular section between Por­gera and Tari. Instead, we are in dire need of roads linking the rural areas known for their agricultural activities to the main market. Mangape should not be so worried about the Taris benefiting from the ser­vices available in Porgera and avoid the notorious Nipa section when trying to access services in Mendi or Mt Hagen. The initiative should be taken by Hela MPs and Mangape can then show his support. The K10 million ought to be spent on projects that would result in tangible benefits for the bulk of the people living in Por­ger­a, Paiela or Laia­gam linking Wabag via Pilikambi LLG. Mangape should submit a proposal to the Na­tional Executive Coun­cil and other appropriate key stakeholders instead of using the Lagaip-Porgera JDP&BPC funds as the Porgera-Tari road is outside the priority areas.

Tony Sulupin
Lagaip-Porgera