MARAPE PUSHES FOR ONSHORE LOG PROCESSING – DOWNSTREAM PROCESSING

Posted by The SUN of Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has revealed he wants to have timber processing done on shore. The Prime Minister said he understands this may upset owners of logging businesses but it is time to start downstream processing. He revealed this in his two-day visit to Manus. Marape says he will be meeting with people in the logging business next week and he plans to talk to them about processing timber in the country. On that note, Marape says his Government will work on some laws that will change the way we manage and carry out work in the country. The Prime Minister stresses that he wants an inclusive and sustainably developed PNG, adding the country has all the resources in the world yet poverty, lack of education and employment and lack of meaningful engagement is rife amongst us. Marape said for so long, focus on development has been on Port Moresby even though other provinces including Manus, also want the same services. The Prime Minister urged the people of Manus to work together to grow the economy and develop the country so that no child is left behind, saying he would like to see every citizen involved in business activities. Meanwhile, the Manus Provincial Administration yesterday received two cheques totaling K7 million from Prime Minister James Marape as part of his two day visit to the small island province. The first cheque of K5 million was set aside by the Department of Works to start construction of the planned Manus ring road road from Lorengau to the West Coast. Another cheque of K2 million was given by the Department of National Planning to start work on water supply projects in the Province, especially the outlying Islands. Prime Minister Marape told the people present at the cheque presentation ceremony that building the road from Lorengau to the West Coast will cost a lot of money therefore it will be better to start building the road one kilometer at a time. He challenged the people of Manus and the Provincial Administration to ensure the road is completed in his lifetime so when the country celebrates 50 years of Independence, he can drive from Lorengau to the West Coast. (Photo Credit: PM’s Media Unit) Ends/