Sunday January 31st 2021
From FIRMIN NANOL in Jiwaka
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape visited remote Kol in Jimi today (Sunday January 31st 2021) to conclude his three-day official visit to Jiwaka.
PM Marape, who was accompanied by Religion Youth and Community Development Minister and Jimi MP, Hon Wake Goi and Jiwaka Governor Hon. Dr William Tongamp, was welcomed by hundreds of people at Kol.
He told the people of Jimi that his Pangu Pati-led Government is focused on rural development, hence, his visiting them.
“We want to bring much more services to the rural areas and one priority is roads,” PM Marape said.
“When there are good roads, we want the people to go into agriculture and tourism activities.
” Whilst flying over in the helicopter to Kol, I saw that Jimi needs a proper and good road network that links your entire district – from Kol to Middle Jimi and Upper Jimi.
“I want to assure you that the National Government will look into your roads in the district.
” All the other work like cleaning up the district, and schools, can be taken care of by your Member and the Governor.
“Let me take the issue of the road from Mt Hagen to Banz to Jimi, and connecting to other areas, to Waigani for the Government to address.”
PM Marape urged the people of Jimi to go more into agriculture, and especially cocoa, which grows very well there.
“The Government will look at your roads and markets, and improve the prices of coffee, cocoa and tea,” he said.
“I want you people to concentrate on food production and farming.
“I am also appealing to you the people to stop tribal conflicts and let law-and-order prevail.
” The village leaders and councillors, and your presidents, must look at stopping all forms of conflict by sitting down with the people and addressing them peacefully.”
PM Marape announced a commitment of K200 000 to the Kol District Hospital to carry out urgent priority work like beds for patients.
Education Minister Hon. Jimmy Uguro, who had accompanied PM Marape to Jimi, announced funding of K100 000 for Jimi Secondary School to build a library.
PM Marape completed his Jiwaka visit this afternoon.