Thursday February 11th 2021
From ANASTHASIA ANGORO in Goroka
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has given K2 million to Goroka MP Hon. Aiye Tambua to complete miscellaneous works at Goroka Town Market before its official opening at a later date.
PM Marape said the K2 million would be added on to K25 million already used to put up the new market.
“I am bringing this K2 million to add onto what has already been spent, so the finishing touches can be done before opening of the market,” he said in Goroka today.
“The money can be used to put in storage facilities at the market to store fresh produce for export.
“Government has already started paying freight so fresh produce can be shipped free of charge from Lae to Port Moresby.”
PM Marape called on landowners and the community in Goroka to respect the facilities and work with authorities to ensure the market becomes a focal point for fresh produce storage.
He commended Eastern Highlands Governor Hon. Peter Numu for standing firm in the belief that empowering people is the best way to “Take Back PNG”.
PM Marape said the market was one way to empower people to go into farming and start up agriculture businesses.
He acknowledged the contributions of former Eastern Highlands Governor Julie Soso and former Goroka MP Henry Ame.
PM Marape said Soso went through many obstacles to build up the market, even going as far as contributing K10 million from provincial funds to start it.
He commended Soso and Ame for putting aside their political affiliations and working with current leaders of Eastern Highlands for the greater good of their people.